A new three-year contract agreement between the city and International Association of Firefighters AFL-CIO Local 1363 received the approval of the City Council without opposition on May 28.

In all, the contract carries an estimated additional cost of $687,821 to the city over the course of the three years.

The agreement provides for 2-percent salary increases for firefighters in fiscal years 2020 and 2021, followed by a 3-percent increase in fiscal 2022. The total cost of the salary increases over the life of the contract is estimated at $721,336.

For the fiscal year beginning July 1, salaries will range from $61,039 for a private with less than a year of experience to $101,364 for the assistant chiefs position. By fiscal year 2021, those salaries will increase to $64,127 and $106,490, respectively.

The pact also includes a roughly half-percent increase in longevity pay, which will cost an estimated $94,994 over the three-year term.

A decrease in the number of paid holidays from 15 to 14 will save an estimated $95,110 over the three-year term, while increases in health care co-pays will save nearly $140,000. Additional employee contributions toward other post-employment benefit, or OPEB, costs will save nearly $30,000.

Parrillo said the agreement also includes a “light duty” clause, providing language that will allow injured firefighters to return in a limited capacity as they heal. He said the provision will “allow firefighters to get back in the rotation of working” as they recover and provide “something that’s also valuable to the city.”

“That was never an option for us [previously] … The mayor thinks this is a win for us,” he said.

Parrillo additionally noted that the contract includes new language regarding union membership based on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Janus v. AFSCME.

A recent change in state law regarding firefighter overtime will not affect Cranston. The new law – which was passed overwhelmingly in the General Assembly and was allowed to take effect by Gov. Gina Raimondo without her signature –makes firefighters eligible for overtime after 42 hours.

“We already have a 42-hour work week,” Parrillo said.

Parrillo said the negotiations with Local 1363 occurred over a period of three months and were “very respectful.”

“It was a great communication back and forth with the union,” he said.

On May 28, Scott Robinson, president of Local 1363, spoke briefly and urged the council to support the contract.