By Kate Kimmel
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners approved a new three-year labor agreement with the Nassau County Fire-Rescue Professionals, Local 3101 of the International Association of Fire Fighters on Monday. The contract, which runs from Oct. 1, 2025, through Sept. 30, 2028, sets wages, benefits, and working conditions for county firefighters, paramedics, and fire-rescue staff.
The starting firefighter hourly wage will be increased from $14.76 to $19.28. Firefighters will receive across-the-board pay increases of 3.5% in fiscal years 2025–26 and 2026–27, and 3% in 2027–28.
“Both sides of the table have made it a priority to raise that base firefighter pay,” Eyerman said.
Additional hourly pay is provided for employees holding EMT, paramedic, and hazardous materials certifications, with paramedic pay rising to $6 per hour by the end of the agreement. Firefighters hired before October 1, 2012, will continue to receive incremental hourly longevity pay for each five years of service.
The agreement also adds job protections, guaranteeing “just cause” protections in disciplinary cases, grievance procedures, and arbitration rights. The contract also outlines holiday pay, callback pay, injury leave, performance evaluations, and education incentives.
The agreement establishes clear requirements for advancement to ranks such as engineer, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief, including state fire college coursework and paramedic certification.
Firefighters will continue on a 24-hour on/48-hour off schedule in a 14-day cycle. Fire prevention staff will generally work 40-hour weeks. The county will continue providing uniforms, bunker gear, and essential station equipment at no cost to employees.
“I would like to thank our staffing department and the folks at 3101 for their honest, diligent work to come to an agreement,” Board Chairman Huppman said.
The agreement emphasizes maintaining strong labor-management relations and ensuring uninterrupted emergency services for Nassau County residents. It replaces prior contracts and will remain in effect until a successor agreement is reached.
kkimmel@nassaunewsline.net
