The Hobart City Council has unanimously approved a collective bargaining contract with Hobart Professional Firefighters Local 1641, the first time in 53 years the union has had a contract.
"This is a landmark case for the fire department," City Councilman Matt Claussen said.
Fellow firefighters, who filled the council chamber Wednesday night in a show of support, applauded the council's decision and the nearly yearlong negotiations between union president Enrique Lopez and a council subcommittee comprised of Claussen, City Councilman Dan Waldrop and City Councilman John Brezik.
Mayor Brian Snedecor, who also took part in the negotiations that began in November, praised Lopez and fellow union members for their efforts.