Wauwatosa council approves term sheet to pursue fire department merger with West Allis after adding labor-protection letter of intent

The Wauwatosa Common Council voted 14–2 to approve a term sheet advancing negotiations on a proposed joint fire department with West Allis after adding an amendment directing staff to draft and send a letter of intent that outlines labor protections for current employees.

The amendment, adopted unanimously before the final vote, asked that the letter of intent address four union priorities the committee included in its recommended language: continuation of existing retirement and health benefits for current employees; full transfer of accrued sick leave without reduction; active exploration of an improved work schedule to support recruitment and retention; and maintenance of competitive health-plan offerings. Council members also noted that collective bargaining law governs final decisions about those items.

Supporters said the term sheet is a…