Newton Officials Come to Agreement With Firefighters Union

NEWTON, MA - The City of Newton has reached an agreement with Newton Fire Fighters IAFF Local 863 on a contract that spans July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2018, Mayor Setti Warren's office announced Thursday.

The union approved the new contract Wednesday.

The agreement stipulates the establishing, staffing and equipping a technical rescue unit, a requirement that all new firefighters become certified Fire Fighter I-II by the Massachusetts Fire Academy, the establishment of a 35-mile residency requirement, and additional language changes.

An annual salary increase ranging from 1.5 percent to 2.5 percent, as well as amendments to longevity and the establishment of a hazardous duty stipend, were also added.

“This is a major step forward for the City of Newton,” Mayor Warren said in the announcement. “The agreement we reached with our Fire Department represents a huge step toward providing unparalleled public safety for our community. Through training and ability to respond to all types of emergencies, this agreement will ensure that the public safety needs of our community are met now and for generations to come.”