The city of Las Vegas has successfully reached a collective bargaining agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1285, representing Fire Department employees. Negotiations for this contract began in early 2024 and have resulted in an agreement that will cost approximately $15.2 million over the current and next fiscal year, ending in mid-2026. This sum covers wages, medical benefits, and tool allowances.
City Manager Mike Janssen described the negotiation process as spirited yet professional, culminating in a unanimous City Council vote to ratify the agreement. Under this two-year contract, the 711 employees will receive a 3.25 percent cost of living adjustment for fiscal year 2024, along with a 1.35 percent salary increase, which will include retroactive pay for the previous fiscal-year months. For the following fiscal year starting in July, employees will see a 2.6 percent cost of living adjustment. Specific staff roles, such as those in communications, prevention, and equipment mechanics, will receive a 0.7 percent raise, while firefighters, captains, and paramedics will receive a 1.6 percent raise. The contract also includes provisions for supervisors.
The negotiation process encountered an impasse after nine meetings in the first quarter of 2024, leading to fact-finding hearings in August. A January report from the fact finder recommended the contract settlement, leading to the current agreement.
With this contract ratified, Las Vegas is now current with all five collective bargaining units representing city employees. Earlier in the year, the City Council also approved a new contract with The Las Vegas City Employees’ Association, covering nearly 1,300 civilian employees. Negotiations are still ongoing with unions representing corrections officers and marshals, whose contracts expire at the end of June, as well as with the bargaining unit for corrections lieutenants, whose contract expires next summer.
In addition to these agreements, the city has been engaged in a legal battle concerning the defunct Badlands golf course. A settlement has been reached where the city will recover $350 million from a new developer planning a housing project on the site, with the remaining $286 million going to EHB Cos. to settle pending litigation. This three-party deal is expected to close soon.
Councilman Brian Knudsen emphasized that public safety employees, including the Las Vegas Fire Department, continue to be a top priority for the city.