Willoughby in negotiation with International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO

Marah Morrison, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Jul. 20—Willoughby is looking to enter an agreement between the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2291 and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.

The intent of the agreement is an effort to continue harmonious and cooperative relationships with the employees, and to ensure the orderly, uninterrupted, efficient operation of government.

"This negotiation was challenging, but we think we landed in a place that's fair for both parties and I want to thank the firefighters for sticking with us on this, and making it to the finish line," said Willoughby Mayor Robert Fiala.

He also credited City Council President Robert Carr and members of council as well as Law Director Mike Lucas, Finance Director Diane Bosley, Fire Chief Todd Ungar and Assistant Chief Mike Dorsey for working through the negotiations the past month.

Last week, Willoughby went into executive session to discuss finalizing the contract.

"We sent out the draft and there was some minor tinkering going on, which went on literally until the morning," Lucas said. "We've got the approval from the union with the final draft and then from the legal council for purposes of the negotiation."

In addition, the agreement is to recognize the interests of employees of the employer to participate through collective bargaining in the determination of the terms and conditions of their employment; to promote fair and reasonable working conditions; to promote individual efficient and service to the citizens of Willoughby; and to provide a basis for the adjustment of matters of mutual interest by means of amicable discussion.

With headquarters in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, Ontario, the International Association of Fire Fighters represents more than 329,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics in more than 3,500 affiliates.

The AFL-CIO is a voluntary federation of 57 national and international labor unions that represent 12.5 million working men and women.