West Hartford Ratifies New Firefighter Pact

WEST HARTFORD, CT — With officials from both sides calling the new firefighter contract "fair" and "responsible," the West Hartford Town Council has unanimously approved a new, three-year pact with the town's firefighters union.

The new contract with the West Hartford Firefighters Association, Local I.A.A.F., Local 1241 is retroactive to July 1 and continues to June 30, 2025.

It was ratified by the firefighters union in April and the contract required council approval July 14 to become official.

In the first year of the contract, 2022-23, firefighters will earn 1 percent pay hikes; for 2023-24, they will earn 1.5 percent increases; and for 2024-25, firefighters will get 2 percent pay raises.

According to the deal's details, the taxpayer cost in additional firefighter pay during the three years is $129,165, $174,287 and $232,321, respectively.

Other benefits negotiated included the doubling of the department's uniform stipend from $100 to $200 and a hike in the college tuition reimbursement stipend from $10,000 to $25,000, West Hartford Town Manager Rick Ledwith said.

Prior to the council vote Thursday, town and fire officials had nothing but kind words for each other regarding the work of the fire department and the spirit of the negotiations.

Ledwith pointed out the trials and tribulations the department had to deal with when the pandemic's frightening, unknown impacts affected everyone.

He said, when the health crisis became more and more acute in 2020, firefighters sat down with town officials and made clear how they would handle the unprecedented emergency.

"They told us that, whatever it was that we needed, they were going to do, regardless of the collective bargaining agreement," Ledwith said. "From that very day, they have stepped up to serve the community in every possible way."

The town manager thanked the fire department for negotiating "modest" pay increases compared to other towns, which he said saw hikes in recent years double what West Hartford agreed to.

"We're very appreciative of the union's understanding of the challenging economic environment we continue to navigate today," Ledwith said.

WHFD Chief Greg Priest said the department's negotiations with the town were cordial.

"What you have in front of you today is the result of a good-faith negotiation and collaboration between the town and the firefighters union," Priest said. "It demonstrates a continued willingness to work together for how best to serve our citizens."

Council members were equally pleased with the pact.

"They continue to provide exemplary work to our residents, our business owners and provide the education to what they do and why," said Councilperson Carol Blanks, who heads the town council's public safety subcommittee.

Alberto Cortes, a councilman, called it a "responsible" deal. "Thank you for putting the time and effort to do this," he said.

"I appreciate your efforts for your whole team," said Councilman Mark Zydanowicz to Priest.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said this is an example of a pact where not everybody is completely happy with the terms, but is accepting of them.

"I do think this is a very strong contract for everyone," Cantor said.

Said Councilperson Adrienne Billings-Smith: "When it's fair, it always feels good. I thank you for a fair and responsible contract. I definitely support this."

To watch the full July 14 West Hartford Town Council meeting, click on this link.

For the agenda and information packet of the meeting, click on this link.