Firefighters in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, have successfully negotiated a new contract that secures two additional full-time positions and introduces a mental health benefit. This achievement follows extensive negotiations supported by Local 311 and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
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The new collective bargaining agreement will be in effect from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, and includes a 3% annual wage increase for each year of the contract. Mahlon Mitchell, President of Local 311 and 5th District Vice President, emphasized the importance of collective action: "Local 311 stood up for its members, and with the support of the IAFF, ensured their voices were heard. Together, they fought for the staffing and mental health benefits Fitchburg firefighters deserve and delivered real results."
Local 311 represents over 500 firefighters and paramedics across 15 departments in Dane County, including the Fitchburg Fire Department. According to Secretary-Treasurer Peter Friedericks, bargaining began in the summer of 2024 and ultimately required arbitration.
Staffing shortages had led to increasing call volumes and overtime, challenging the department's ability to maintain adequate staffing levels. Friedericks noted, "They were going on more runs, they weren’t staffing the stations properly, leading to more and more overtime. The combination department model was also failing because there weren’t enough volunteers or part-timers to fill the gaps. So, they decided to cut staffing from four to three."
In response, Local 311 sought assistance from the IAFF Strategic Campaigns team to launch a media and community outreach campaign to highlight these staffing issues. As a result, the city expedited the hiring process, moving the planned date from January to October and increasing the department's staff count to 16.
The new contract also establishes a wellness benefit allowing each firefighter an additional day off per year to meet with a mental health professional, emphasizing the need to address mental health concerns in the profession. "We hope that’s a model for the rest of the county," Friedericks stated. "With PTSD and its downstream effects, that’s something we need to do a better job of addressing. So, we’re hoping this will be a good resource for everybody."
Friedericks highlighted the importance of the union's collective efforts, stating, "The city heard us and knew we were willing to fight for what our members deserved. That message will carry forward."