Northampton Firefighters Local 108 has been trying to “Bridge the Gap” of wage disparity between Northampton Police and Firefighters. With current tentative agreement contracts, Firefighters will be making 24.7% less than the Police Officers, a gap which has been steadily increasing over the last 10 years.  In 2010, Local 108 was the only city bargaining unit that agreed to take 0% cost of living adjustments (COLAS). This agreement was to help the city through a financial crisis, and it was the expectation that COLAS would be adequately adjusted in future contracts.  However, those expectations were not met in years to follow, creating a large wage discrepancy between Police and Fire.  In 2013, city officials and Local 108 were unable to agree upon contract terms, which lead to negotiations being taken to arbitration.  Local 108 was awarded wage parity with the Northampton Police Department, but the City Council REFUSED to uphold the arbitration agreement.  This was the first time in state history an arbitration award was not funded.  

More recently, city officials refused to impact bargain with Local 108 during the COVID-19 pandemic.  During this time, Firefighters put themselves and their families at risk of infection while transporting over 2,300 suspected COVID-19 cases, and spending more than 2,313 hours vaccinating the public.  All city departments, including teachers, police, and department of public works have received a COVID-19 bonus, but firefighters received no compensation. 

Northampton Firefighters have the highest call volume in Hampshire County, with over 8,300 Fire and Ambulance-related calls a year.  The Northampton Fire Department Ambulance generates $3.5 million for the city each year, yet members are paid up to 42% less than some of the surrounding Fire Departments.

Please sign this petitions to help Northampton Firefighters Local 108 “Bridge the Gap” of wage disparity between Police and Firefighters.