CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Monday, the Cheyenne City Council moved to refer the 2025–26 collective labor agreement with the Cheyenne Firefighters, Local Union No. 279, International Association of Firefighters, to its Finance Committee.
The action was taken as part of the council’s consent agenda during its regular meeting. The agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for the city’s firefighters.
The collective labor agreement between the city and the firefighters union is slated to become effective on July 1, 2025, and remain in effect until June 30, 2026. It covers a range of topics, including rates of pay, hours of work and other working conditions for the firefighters. The agreement also details procedures for grievances, non-discrimination practices and union representation.
Key changes to the contract include:
- Definitions: Updates and additions to definitions, including new positions like captain and clarification of terms related to specialty teams
- Management Rights: The city will have the right to pay out unused vacation or Earned Day Off hours under specific circumstances
- Cost of Living Adjustment: Maintaining the existing COLA language and updating the relevant dates
- Reorganization: The addition of captain positions and adjustments to the number of personnel in different ranks
- Step Requirements: Consolidated step requirements for promotions and outlined pay for acting positions
- Pay Structure: Simplified pay structure with rounding to two decimal points and clarified EMS pay for daytime members
- Advanced EMT Pay: Introduction of a pay scale for Advanced EMTs with provisions to encourage progression to the Paramedic level
- Specialty Teams: Expansion and clarification of the structure and compensation for various specialty teams, including Tactical EMS
- Earned Day Off: Equalized Earned Day Off accrual for all members and aligned the usage timeline with the city’s payroll year
- Physicals: Enhanced annual physical program with more comprehensive screenings and a process for exit physicals
- Sick Leave: Aligned sick leave policies with city guidelines and adjusted the requirement for doctor’s notes
- Longevity Pay: Simplified calculation of longevity pay by rounding to two decimal points
Referral to the Finance Committee typically allows for a more in-depth review of the financial implications of the agreement. The committee will likely examine aspects such as proposed wage increases and benefits outlined in the labor contract. Following the committee’s review, the agreement is expected to return to the City Council for final consideration and potential adoption.
The agreement is attached below:
