Springfield approves tentative IAFF Local 648 contract with 3% annual raises, shift changes and higher EMT stipend

The Springfield City Council on Monday approved a tentative agreement with IAFF Local 648 covering firefighters, lieutenants, captains and other fire department personnel. The council accepted the contract after a presentation by the city’s human resources director and a brief period of council deliberation.

Bill Mahoney, Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations, told the council the bargaining unit contains approximately 257 members and that negotiations began on March 12, 2024, including 11 bargaining sessions and six mediation sessions. "The wage increases for this contract will be 3% each year, and it will be retroactive to 07/01/2024 on the first 3% increase, and 07/01/2025 on the second 3% increase," Mahoney said.

Under the new terms, some employees will shift from a 4-on/4-off schedule to consecutive 24-hour shifts (a day tour and a night tour) while maintaining the same total hours in the cycle. The agreement raises the EMT stipend from $500 annually to $1,200 and adds a 1% lump-sum base payment for repair-division employees who hold commercial driver’s licenses. The contract also authorizes management to use an assessment center for promotions to district chief positions.

Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi told the council the membership ratified the agreement by roughly a 75% margin, saying the deal "is a good deal from both sides" and noting the assessment center and other provisions. Several councilors—among them Councilor Davila and Councilor Delgado—thanked firefighters for their service and supported the item.

The clerk called the roll and the council approved the agreement on the record.