The TribLocal has an article stating that Downers Grove firefighters have received a new contract that includes pay raises over the next several years.

A deeply divided Downers Grove Village Council recently voted to approve a three-year contract with the village’s firefighters union that will give firefighters a 1 percent raise in the current fiscal year and 2 percent raises in the years ending in April 2013 and April 2014.

Commissioners voted 4-3 for the contract in December.  Those casting votes against the pact expressed concern that all village employees are not being treated the same, given that Downers Grove officials have imposed furlough days and wage freezes on some non-union employees in other departments.  In addition, several commissioners said they would have preferred a contract that would have allowed wage increases to be renegotiated if certain village revenue benchmarks were not met.

“We’ve asked other village employees to take furlough days and accept wage freezes.  It’s not equitable or fair to me to guarantee one segment of our population ever-increasing compensation,” said Commissioner Bob Barnett.   “A contract which provides for guaranteed compensation increases without consideration for the unpredictability of the future is from my vantage point irresponsible.”

The article can be found HERE.