Firefighters and Town Agree on New Contract

After two and a half years of negotiations, the firefighters of Easton have a new contract.

This week, the selectmen approved the new three-year deal, which contains about $200,000 in raises and benefits.

The deal, which was reached in mediation, was also approved by Fire Union Local 2790 I.A.F.F. last week.

Town Administrator David Colton said the deal was pretty consistent with what the town has agreed to with other unions in the same period.

“Like any negotiate settlement from mediation it’s not perfect but it was successful for both sides and I think it’s something we can live with,” Colton said.

While there will be no cost of living increase for fiscal year 2013, the firefighters will receive a 2 percent increase for fiscal year 2014 and a 3 percent hike for fiscal year 2015.

Other aspects of the new contract include sick leave, modified duty, posting of promotion, clothing allowance, and an increase in EMT and paramedics stipends that are not retroactive increase.

About $80,000 has been set aside to help pay for the costs of the new contract with the remaining $120,000 to come in the form of a request at the Annual Town Meeting in May. The costs of the deal do not include overtime pay.

The deal is contingent on both sides working out a minor language issue regarding personal time off and how shifts are tracked.