Bridgeport Reaches Tentative Contract Agreement With Fire Union: Mayor

BRIDGEPORT, CT — The city and the International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO Local 834, which represents Bridgeport firefighters, have reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement, Mayor Joseph Ganim announced Wednesday.

Terms of the new pact were disclosed, but the negotiations between the two side occurred during an agreement on proposed issues that were considered for alteration, officials said.

"I want to compliment the men and women who serve as firefighters in the
City of Bridgeport," Ganim said in a statement. "It took a lot of perseverance and leadership from both sides to reach this tentative agreement."

During a news conference, Fire Chief Lance Edwards thanked Ganim and the city for helping to reach an agreement. See the Facebook video below.

"I think most people know it's been close to two and a half years we've been going back and forth with contract negotiations," Edwards said. "I think people understand that neither side is going to get everything that they want, but I think the package is fair for both sides."

Most of the major concerns that were mentioned for adjustment included wage increases, sick
and paid leave, health care premiums, tuition reimbursement, vacation time, and stipends to
cover uniform costs, according to officials.

The contract still must be approved by the union membership and the City Council.