Santa Rosa has declared an impasse in its lengthy contract negotiations with the city’s 121 unionized firefighters, saying its last offer is fair and its post-fire budget picture too uncertain to justify more generous raises.
The union on Thursday expressed disappointment at the declaration, and blasted the city for wasting money on what it painted as an anti-public safety outside law firm with a financial incentive to drag out negotiations.
The acrimony was a marked departure from the historically cozy labor relations the city has enjoyed with its firefighters.
The city is offering firefighters — whose salaries averaged $156,000 last year — a two-year deal of 3.5 percent raises each year, a $1,000 signing bonus and other pay enhancements.