Shaker Heights approves three-year firefighter contract with pay increases, paid parental leave and reduced workweek

Shaker Heights City Council unanimously approved a three-year labor contract July 28 with the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 516 covering 2025–2027, adopting wage increases, new benefits and work-rule changes the administration said will cost roughly $901,000 over the contract term.

Fire Chief Sweeney told council negotiations began in January after the previous contract expired Dec. 31, 2024; the parties went to fact-finding and mediation before reaching a tentative agreement June 26 that the union membership ratified July 17. The contract provides a 3.5% pay increase for each of 2025, 2026 and 2027 and rolls the $3,000 paramedic pay into base pay. Chief Sweeney said the total three-year fiscal impact is approximately $901,000, with a 2025 shortfall of about $286,000 relative to the budgeted 2.25% increase.

The agreement adds six weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave effective Jan. 1, 2026 (described by the chief as roughly 12 tours of duty or 12 24‑hour shifts), requires annual medical fitness exams specific to firefighter hazards, and reduces the standard workweek from 50 to 48 hours in 2027 — a change the chief said yields about four additional days off per year per firefighter. The contract also provides time-and-a-half pay for firefighters who work New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Council members expressed strong support for the contract, praising the department’s service and the inclusion of parental leave and health programs. Finance Director Potts cautioned the full budget impact will become clearer after other union contracts — notably police — are settled; he noted the city had budgeted a 2.25% floor and will address remaining gaps during the budget process.

Council moved and unanimously approved the contract on suspension and enactment at the July 28 meeting.