Mt. Prospect Firefighters Union approves wage concession to prevent layoffs.

Village of Mt. Prospect, January 12, 2010 Firefighters vote in favor of wage concessions to stop layoffs of two firefighters.

Mt. Prospect firefighters have voted in favor of a wage package that will help the village maintain its customary fund reserve and avert any increase in taxes.

The wage package means the village will not be forced to reduce the size of the Mt. Prospect firefighting force, thus helping to maintain the standard of safety that residents have come to expect.

In December two firefighters were given layoff notices after a stall in negotiations. The firefighters continued to attempt negotiations and were successful in reaching an agreement that guaranteed no firefighters would be laid off for one year.

The men and woman of Local 4119 voted yes to a tentative agreement between the Firefighters Union and Village officials to modify the current labor contract. At the request of Village Manager Michael Janonis, union officials negotiated options for firefighters help to balance the 2010 budget. Village policy mandates the village manager to maintain a fund reserve at 25% of the subsequent fiscal year’s expenditures.

The tentative wage concession package will save the Village an estimated $91,000.00 for the 2010 budget year. The dedicated men and woman of Local 4119 were able to prevent a reduction in public safety personnel and possible reduced services to the citizens of Mt. Prospect.

Details contained in the agreement will be forthcoming. The layoff notices were rescinded after the vote details were presented from the union.

“The men and woman of our great organization continue to show their dedication to the service and safety of our community, and I am proud of what we have done here today”

- Union President Kevin Wilson

Please contact President Wilson for questions regarding this release. (815)-592-8960