Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Contracts topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council ratifies three labor agreements covering firefighters, transit and airport workers
Summary
The city approved three three-year memoranda of agreement covering the fire department and two Teamsters units. The IAFF contract (ratified by union membership) includes wage increases, donning/doffing pay, and paid maternity leave; Teamsters agreements include wage and benefits adjustments and injury leave protections.
The Wichita City Council on Dec. 2 approved three labor agreements negotiated by the Human Resources Department with bargaining units representing firefighters and Teamsters-represented employees.
The council approved a three‑year memorandum of agreement (2025–2028) with International Association of Fire Fighters Local 135 covering approximately 490 employees. Highlights included a 3.5% general pay adjustment each year, a 2.5% merit step for eligible employees, a new donning/doffing pay provision for pre‑ and post‑shift activities, updated longevity pay schedule, and eight weeks of paid maternity leave (subject to eligibility). Ted Bush, IAFF Local 135 president, told the council membership ratified the contract by 95%.
Council also approved two Teamsters agreements. Teamsters Transit Local 795 (about 110 transit employees) negotiated three years of annual adjustments (3% GPA and 2.5% merit), increased trainer and bilingual pay, injury leave provisions up to 90 days full salary for job-related injuries, and higher uniform allowances. Teamsters Airport Local 795 (24 employees) secured a three‑year MOA with 4% GPA in 2025–26, merit steps, and other pay differentials and clarifications. HR recommended each memorandum be incorporated into the revised budget and the council approved all three MOAs by unanimous votes.
Council members commended negotiation teams and noted the contracts will be reflected in the city's revised budget for 2026.
