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City Council approves four-year contract with Firefighters' Union; transitions VEBA to Section 115 Trust
Summary
Council ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Oak Forest Firefighters' Union that raises wages (4% in 2025 and 2026, then 3% annually), allows a paramedic hiring pilot for candidates in training, and transitions post-retirement healthcare funds from a VEBA to a Section 115 Trust.
The Oak Forest City Council on July 14 approved a four-year successor Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Oak Forest Firefighters' Union, Local 3039, affiliated with the International Association of Firefighters.
City Administrator Moses Amidei summarized negotiated terms: the agreement removes the lowest pay step to increase starting compensation, creates a temporary pilot allowing applicants enrolled in paramedic school an 18-month period to obtain licensure after hire, increases scheduled Kelly days from one in 14 shifts to one in 12 shifts, and sets wage increases of 4% (May 1, 2025), 4% (May 1, 2026) and 3% for each of the final two years. "The mediated agreement secures a 4% annual wage increase effective May 1, 2025, followed by 4% on May 1, 2026, and 3% annually for the final two years of the contract," Amidei told the council.
The council also approved a companion resolution to transition the union’s post-retirement health-savings plan from a VEBA to a Section 115 Trust, aligned with the structure used by the Police Department. Amidei said the city’s role is limited to executing contributions; the plan will be administered by a third party under union oversight. Council approved both measures by roll call vote, 5–0 (two absent).
