Committee ratifies contract with Milwaukee Firefighters Local 215, adds 2026 raises and one-time pay elements

The Finance and Personnel Committee adopted a substitute resolution on Wednesday to ratify and confirm a final agreement between the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee Firefighters Association Local 215.

Nick Desiato, the city’s interim labor negotiator, gave a summary of the agreement’s key terms and said the contract before the committee was substantially similar to what had been discussed in closed session. He said the agreement adds an additional year in 2026 and described a pay change that includes a 2% raise split during the year plus a one-time payment that is not base-building.

Desiato told the committee the union ratified the agreement the day before the meeting, and he reported a membership ratification vote of roughly 65% in favor and 35% opposed. “I appreciate that in good faith, I believe all parties negotiated. I think this is a fair and reasonable deal,” Desiato said, thanking staff involved in bargaining. Committee members asked clarifying questions about ratification and details; there were no objections and a motion for adoption carried.

The committee’s action ratifies the agreement and sends the policy and financial implications to whatever administrative and budgetary steps are next for execution under city practice.