A majority of Springfield's firefighters voted this week in favor of a contract negotiated between their union and the city administration.
The International Association of Firefighters Local 37 began negotiations with the city in November 2015, and the more than 200 firefighters it represents have been working without a contract since March 2016, according to union president and Battalion Chief Gary Self. The ratified contract covers five years, from March 2016 through February 2021.
Firefighters voted Wednesday and Thursday, and though Self wasn't told the exact result by union trustees, Self said the vote was close.
One of the major sticking points for both sides was whether firefighters would be required to live within city limits. Mayor Jim Langfelder campaigned on having the city workforce live within city limits, and with the exception of the police union contract, all contracts between the city and municipal employee unions now have a residency requirement.