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Newark council adopts three-year contract with IAFF Local 109
Summary
The Newark City Council voted unanimously to approve an employment agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 109, effective Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028. City and union leaders praised the negotiated deal as a step toward improving firefighter retention.
The Newark City Council voted 10-0 to approve an employment agreement between the City of Newark and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 109, effective Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028.
The contract, adopted as Ordinance No. 25-25, replaces the existing employment agreement that ran through July 31, 2025, and was presented to council on a single motion and roll call vote. Councilman Barker moved to adopt the ordinance and Councilman Lubitz seconded; the roll call recorded 10 affirmative votes and no nays.
Council and city officials said the agreement addresses longstanding retention concerns in the fire department. Tim Rummer, vice president of IAFF Local 109, thanked council for the unanimous vote, saying, "I just wanna take a minute and thank council for the unanimous vote of this agreement. I think it's a great step to fix the retention issues that this department has had for many years." Rummer also thanked city negotiators and union representatives for their work.
Mayor Hall and Safety Director Hickman commended both negotiating teams and described the talks as professional and collaborative. Safety Director Hickman and Fire Chief Metzger were named by city speakers as participants who worked on the agreement. City officials noted the contract required extensive negotiation and said they appreciate the cooperation from union representatives and staff.
The ordinance text submitted to council approves and ratifies the employment agreement and declares an emergency. The ordinance specifies the effective dates of Aug. 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028, and abolishes the prior agreement with effect through July 31, 2025.
Public remarks at the meeting included multiple statements of gratitude from IAFF Local 109 representatives and current and former fire personnel, who described the outcome as an important step for the department’s future. Council members also used their remarks to thank safety forces and city staff for their work negotiating the agreement.
Ordinance No. 25-25 passed by unanimous vote; no amendments or competing motions were recorded in the meeting transcript.
A finance committee meeting was scheduled for Aug. 4, and council members indicated ongoing budgetary work will occur in subsequent meetings to address implementation and funding implications for the contract.
