City of Lawrence reaches new agreement with local firefighters’ union

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - The City of Lawrence, Kansas, and the local firefighters’ union have reached a new agreement to balance the needs of first responders and the community.

The City of Lawrence announced on Saturday, Sept. 21, that it had reached a negotiation agreement with the International Association of Firefighters Local 1596 to represent those employed by the Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical Department.

“This new agreement represents a significant step in the direction of providing competitive wages and benefits for our fire medical personnel and underscores the City’s commitment to having engaged and empowered teams,” said Assistant City Manager Casey Toomay.

City officials indicated that the union had ratified the agreement to mark the end of productive negotiations. The previous agreement, which was negotiated in 2021, laid the bricks for the new effort. The negotiations included a strong focus on competitiveness, a priority for both parties.

“We appreciate City management’s continued engagement in this process and while we recognize the broader impact this agreement will have on the organization as a whole, we appreciate the investment in a solution that works for all parties,” IAFF leadership said.

The City noted that both parties have shown a shared commitment to solutions that balance the interests of valued fire and medical personnel with the community’s needs.