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Richland council approves binding arbitration award for battalion chiefs, raising pay and preserving 'me too' wage parity

6173588 · October 21, 2025
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Summary

Council approved Resolution No. 2025-135 to adopt the arbitration decision for the 2023–2025 collective bargaining agreement covering five battalion chiefs in Richland Fire & Emergency Services, implementing wage differentials and grandfathered tobacco rules.

RICHLAND — The Richland City Council on Oct. 21 approved Resolution No. 2025-135 adopting the decision from interest arbitration that resolves open issues in the 2023–2025 collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) representing five battalion chiefs.

Labor relations specialist Lacey Paulson summarized the arbitration process: negotiations began in late 2022 and early 2023, mediation occurred with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), and disputed economic issues were certified to interest arbitration. Paulson said the arbitrator sided largely with the union on the contested economic issues and with the historical “me…

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