JACKSONVILLE, Florida, June 7, 2024 — After months of productive negotiations, the City of Jacksonville and International Association of Firefighters, Local 122 have reached and signed a three-year tentative collective bargaining agreement. The agreement includes the following:
Salary increases will occur along the following schedule each fiscal year (October 1-September 30):
- FY 2024-2025: 12% increase
- FY 2025-2026: 5% increase
- FY 2026-2027: 5% increase
In 2027, retirement benefits for new enrollees will move to the Florida Retirement System (FRS), and current enrollees of the defined contribution plan will have the option to remain there or move to the FRS.
The City of Jacksonville is continuing its commitment to employee healthcare by moving from a cost percentage plan to a fixed rate plan that allows for accurate budgeting as the workforce continues to grow.
Next, the International Association of Firefighters, Local 122 will publish the tentative agreement for 15 days of membership review, followed by 3 days of voting to ratify the contract. Upon ratification, the collective bargaining agreement will proceed to the Jacksonville City Council for final approval.
“It’s an honor to present this historic agreement to the courageous men and women who work so hard to keep our citizens healthy and safe,” said Mayor Donna Deegan. “We continue to have the best fire department in the country because of their efforts, and the tentative agreement ensures their benefits match their talent and dedication to our community.”
“I’m grateful to Mayor Deegan and her administration for negotiating in good faith to deliver the most generous agreement our union has ever received,” said International Association of Firefighters, Local 122 President Kelly Dobson. “This tentative agreement makes good on broken promises of the past and makes whole our deserving members who put their lives on the line every day.”
“This tentative agreement will ensure we retain our brave firefighters, while recruiting the best and brightest to serve alongside us,” said Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Chief Keith Powers. “I want to thank Mayor Deegan, President Dobson, and their teams for giving us the tools to build an even stronger team to protect the public and take our department into the future.”
“This tentative collective bargaining agreement signifies a preliminary accord reached, pending further ratification and adoption,” said Jacksonville City Council President Ron Salem. “I believe this marks a significant step in formalizing historic raises, changes to the retirement benefits and many positive terms ensuring the welfare of the men and women of our Fire Rescue Department.”
“I am pleased that both the city and union leadership have come to terms on a tentative agreement, and I look forward to the men and women of JFRD voicing their opinion before the final adoption by the City Council,” said Jacksonville City Council President-Designate Randy White. “This is a step in the right direction for the department.”
About the City of Jacksonville
The City of Jacksonville is the largest city by land mass in the contiguous United States, serving nearly one million residents. City of Jacksonville leadership includes Mayor Donna Deegan and a 19-member City Council led by President Ron Salem. To learn more, visit jacksonville.gov.
About the International Association of Firefighters, Local 122
International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 122 is the Jacksonville chapter of the national organization that is the driving force behind every advance in fire and emergency services in the 21st century.
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