Brian Lynch, president of Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association, Local 2800 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and County Manager Mark Schwartz sign the collective bargaining agreement.
The Arlington Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association, Local 2800 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, and Arlington County have signed their first collective bargaining agreement since 1975, the culmination of a multi-year effort that began with the repeal of the statewide ban on local government collective bargaining in 2020. The three-year agreement effective July 1, includes: improved benefits for firefighters disabled or killed in the line of duty and their families; implementation of a step and grade pay scale; health and safety improvements, a committee structure to enhance labor-management collaboration; the introduction of neutral mediators and arbitrators to resolve grievances and disputes.
"This a great step forward not just for firefighters, but for the whole community. When those on the front lines have a seat at the table everyone benefits," said President Brian Lynch. "We want to thank the County Board and our management partners for coming together with us for the common good. We are excited to continue this partnership to further enhance the protection we provide Arlington families and businesses."
In an economy characterized by a tight labor market and persistent inflation, both the Union and the County have pledged to work collaboratively to improve firefighter salaries over the next three years. In its most recent budget guidance, the County Board directed the manager to work with the County’s police and fire unions on pay enhancements to address recruitment and retention problems in public safety.