The Jacksonville firefighters union has reached a tentative agreement with the city of Jacksonville regarding wages and benefits for first responders, the president of the union says.
Jacksonville Association of Firefighters President Randy Wyse said the signed tentative agreement was sent to the mayor's office on Friday.
Wyse sent Action News Jax a statement that said benefits reduced in 2015 will be restored with wage increases and pension equality for existing employees.
Mayor Lenny Curry called the agreement historic and said it's a step in solving Jacksonville's pension crisis once and for all in a way that is good for taxpayers, first responders and the future of Jacksonville.
A city spokesperson said the agreement includes law enforcement officers.
Curry's full statement:
This represents another step toward solving Jacksonville's pension crisis once and for all in a way that is good for taxpayers, first responders, and the future of our city. I want to thank the union leadership for working with me and reaching this historic agreement. I look forward to next steps with union membership."
Wyse's full statement:
The Jacksonville Association of Firefighters have strived to restore and secure the future for the firefighters of Jacksonville. Our main purpose and goal is the safety and security of Jacksonville's firefighters and their families. The JAFF has negotiated faithfully and openly a tentative contract that has been long overdue for existing employees. Benefits reduced since 2015 will be restored with wage increases and pension equality for existing employees.
Much work is still ahead for both the JAFF and City of Jacksonville. The JAFF will continue to work with the COJ to address the many issues and challenges that a modern fire/EMS department faces daily.
We look forward to completing negotiations with the City of Jacksonville and ratifying a fair and equitable contract for its firefighters and the citizens they serve."