After mediated negotiations failed to resolve disagreements between the city and the firefighters union regarding a new employment contract, the Lawrence City Commission will now have the final say.
Representatives of the city and the union, the International Association of Firefighters Local 1596, began meeting with a mediator from the United States Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service on Aug. 1, but continue to be at odds over pay increases, longevity pay, sick pay and workers’ compensation, among other elements of the contract. In line with negotiating guidelines, the city and the union have submitted their final proposals to the commission, which will hold a public hearing Thursday to decide which proposal to accept.
Generally, the city’s proposal would bring the firefighters’ longevity pay, sick pay and workers’ compensation policies more in line with policies for other city employees and the police union. Human Resources Manager Lori Carnahan said that the city thought its proposal prioritized equity between the union and other employees and provided competitive pay and benefits for firefighters.