The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday unanimously approved an agreement with the union representing Los Angeles Fire Department personnel to avoid station closures amid the city’s economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The deal with the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City defers a base wage increase, initially scheduled for July 4, to Jan. 1, 2023.
The deal, expected to save $23.7 million during the next fiscal year through the raise deferment and retirement incentive pay, will prevent the city from imposing temporary closures of fire stations, also known as “brown outs.” The City Council also approved a similar deal with the Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Officers Association to defer raises for the same amount of time. That deal is expected to save about $1 million, according to the city administrative officer.