Grand Rapids Firefighters Receive Pay Increase and Reduced Hours

News Summary

Grand Rapids firefighters will benefit from a newly approved contract that grants an 11% pay increase over three years and reduces their work hours. The City Commission passed the agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 366, which includes a starting salary of $58,753 by 2027. The contract also aims to improve firefighter welfare by decreasing the standard work week and increasing health savings contributions for retirees.

Grand Rapids firefighters are set to benefit from a newly approved contract that will grant them an 11% pay increase spread over three years, alongside reduced work hours. The Grand Rapids City Commission passed this collective bargaining agreement on July 29, 2025, in collaboration with the International Association of Firefighters Local 366, which comprises 230 members.

The contract, effective from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028, initiates a series of pay raises for the city’s firefighters. Starting July 1, 2025, firefighters will see a 5% raise that will include retroactive pay. This increase will be followed by another 5% raise on July 1, 2026, and a final 1% raise set for July 1, 2027. By 2027, the starting salary for firefighters will rise to $58,753, with a maximum salary of $89,762. The full salary schedule can be found in the committee of the whole agenda packet.

Additionally, the new contract will decrease the standard workweek for union firefighters from 52.88 hours to 50.4 hours, effective in 2028. This adjustment aims to provide firefighters with more time to rest and recover from the physically demanding nature of their jobs. Further improvements include an increase in the city’s contributions to the firefighters’ retirees’ health savings account by $500, which will total $2,750.

City Manager Mark Washington highlighted the importance of maintaining competitive pay as the fire department continues to grow. Future initiatives include the construction of new fire stations and the establishment of a new training center to support this expansion.

The Grand Rapids Fire Department plays a critical role in community safety, responding to numerous emergencies. Recently, firefighters tackled a significant blaze at a plastics company located on Hall Street, requiring a coordinated response to control the flames. In another instance, crews responded to a fire at the Lamberton Lake Apartments, where they assisted an individual who needed medical attention. Thankfully, the rescued person was alert and was transported to a nearby hospital. An investigation into the cause of the apartment fire is currently ongoing.

Firefighters face unique challenges, including operating with approximately 80 pounds of gear during emergencies, which can hinder temperature regulation. To ensure their safety, the department has established protocols for keeping firefighters cool and hydrated, particularly during extreme heat events. Furthermore, firefighters are trained to monitor each other’s well-being during high-stress situations to prevent health issues.

The recent contract approval reflects a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the needs of Grand Rapids firefighters, demonstrating the city’s commitment to their welfare and operational efficacy. The collaboration between the firefighters’ union and the city’s bargaining team has been essential in reaching an agreement that supports the firefighters while ensuring community safety remains a top priority.

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Additional Resources

• MLive: Grand Rapids Firefighters Union Secures 11% Raise
• Fox 17: Grand Rapids Firefighters Brave the Heat
• Wood TV: Firefighters Respond to Heavy Smoke
• Wikipedia: Firefighter
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighter