IAFF Local 279 urges market correction to pay as talks continue with Cheyenne officials

Summary

Representatives of IAFF Local 279 pressed the City of Cheyenne on March 16 for a ‘fair market correction’ in firefighter pay, citing comparisons to Front Range departments and specialty-pay differences; city officials offered a combined 6% increase this year but said recurring revenues must be secured before larger ongoing raises.

Cheyenne — Representatives of the Cheyenne Professional Firefighters, International Association of Firefighters Local 279 pressed city leaders at a special March 16 meeting for a “fair market correction” to wages and benefits as contract talks continue.

“A fair market correction to wages remain the top priority for our membership in these negotiations,” said Toms, president of IAFF Local 279, in an opening statement to the governing body. The union highlighted specialty pays, paramedic certification and regional labor markets — particularly Front Range Colorado departments — as the basis for its comparables analysis.

Vice President Jason Lindsay walked the council through the union’s compensation calculations and said pension-formula differences can materially change total-pay comparisons. “When we equate our wages out at $90,000 … the disparity [with some Colorado…

IAFF Local 279 urges market correction to pay as talks continue with Cheyenne officials

Summary

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