Beachwood Council to Consider Firefighter Compensation Changes

New Beachwood firefighters could see reduced starting pay and fewer paid holidays if an amended union contract is approved at Monday’s council meeting. 

The proposed contract would cut the starting annual wages for firefighters hired after May 1 by more than $15,000, from just over $60,000 to $45,000. The pay ceiling – about $71,500 - will not change, but it will take longer -- six years, rather than the current three years -- to reach it.

The International Association of Firefighters Local 2388 proposed the contract amendments, said Fire Chief Patrick Kearns, after the city suggested hiring part-timers.

“I think this answer was very proactive in attempting to adjust to economic conditions,” Kearns said. “This goes well beyond Beachwood,” he added, noting recent firefighter and police layoffs in nearby Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights.

Cleveland Heights laid off three firefighters and demoted two lieutenants in 2010, according to The Plain Dealer. They re-hired and re-promoted those employees in January because of shortages caused by medical leave and retirements. Shaker Heights eliminated six firefighter positions in 2009, the paper reported.

Under the proposal, pay would increase to the current maximum of about $71,500  in a firefighter’s sixth year of employment. On the current pay schedule, firefighters reach that amount in the third year.

Current employees get six holidays a year starting in their first year. If the ordinance passes, they will get one their first year and add one per year for their first six years.

Firefighters in Beachwood work 24-hour shifts followed by 48 hours off.

Vacation and sick days will not change for any employees, regardless of hire date. Firefighters get six vacation days per year the first six years, then add days until they top out at 13 vacation days after 17 years. They get between six and seven sick days per year.

Beachwood’s administrative employees, which includes employees in departments such as finance, engineering and community services, get three personal days and 15 days of sick time per year. Vacation time starts at two weeks after the first year and increases every few years, topping out at five weeks after 17 years. They have paid government holidays.

Kearns said that the department currently employs 37 but is authorized to employ 43. There are six vacancies and three more employees are expected to retire this year. Kearns said that the department intends to fill all nine of these positions, and if the ordinance passes, the new firefighters will fall under the new contract provisions.

Kearns said he does not believe the lower starting pay will affect the quality of new applicants.

“Look at the unemployment rate,” he said, adding that Beachwood’s is one of the top-paying fire departments in the state.

No current firefighters or those whose employment begins before May 1 would be affected.

Kearns said that the city first suggested part-timers around July of last year.

The proposal would amend the current contract, which is set to expire Nov. 30.

IAFF Local 2388 President Matt Domonkos declined to comment until after the city council meeting Monday, when council is expected to vote on the ordinance. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in the