With a vote of approval from the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), a new contract has been locked in for Branford’s professional firefighters.

Retroactive to July 1, 2022, the 4-year contract runs through June 30, 2026. It includes wage increases of 2.5 percent the first 2 years of the contract, and 2.25 percent annually in years 3 and 4, for a total increase of 9.5 percent.

The new contract was meted out during negotiations between the Town of Branford, Branford Fire Fighters Local #2533 and International Association of Fire Fighters AFL-CIO. A tentative agreement was then ratified by a vote of members of Branford Fire Fighters Local #2533, AFL-CIO union on July 12, 2022.

At the request of the firefighters, the contract allows switching from the Town of Branford’s current Anthem High Deductible medical (health) and Anthem dental providers to the International Association of Fire Fighters Health and Wellness High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) medical plans (health and dental).

As noted by Town of Branford Director of Human Resources Margaret Luberda, beginning with the 2022-23 fiscal year, the firefighters’ change in health plan providers will create anticipated annual cost savings for the Town of over $250,000.

Firefighters’ payroll deduction contribution to their health plan will be made at 17 percent during the first 3 years of the contract, going up to 18 percent in the final year. The Town will continue paying 50 percent of the applicable deductible each plan year into an employee's health savings account (HSA).

During RTM discussion on the contract, Rep. Peter Black, (R, District 3) said he would be voting against approving it, due to his concerns with the Town’s potential alignment with the Connecticut Partnership Plan (CPP) health coverage program. The Town of Branford is considering the option to soon join the state program. CPP is administered by Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

“I feel the health insurance plan change is part of the overall plan to put the other town employees into the Connecticut Partnership Plan, rather than continue with the self-insurance plan,” said Black. “I know there's substantial savings with that switch to the town for the short term, but fundamentally I don't trust the state plan.”

The RTM discussion followed a report from RTM Public Services Committee chair Don Conklin (R, District 5) on the bi-partisan committee’s unanimous (5-0) vote to recommend approval of the contract. The committee met and voted in a special session July 21.

Conklin also described the main changes to the contract, which can be viewed online as part of the RTM July 27 agenda, posted at www.branford-ct.gov

Others joining in the contract discussion on July 27 were RTM members Marc Riccio (R, District 6), Frank Twohill (R, District 1) and Tracy Everson (D, District 5).

Riccio said Branford is a town with “tremendous” first responders, including the fire department.

“I will be supporting this. I can't think of a department that is more deserving of a raise, after what they've gone through [during] Covid,” said Riccio. “I know that Representative Black is not in favor of this contract because of the insurance situation, but insurance always changes. In 5 years, there’ll be another program they'll probably figure out.”

Twohill said Branford’s fire department has been an outstanding organization under Branford Fire Chief Thomas Mahoney. He also recognized the many years of work and commitment of the Board of Fire Commissioners under its chair, Robert Massey.

“This is an extremely reasonable contract,” said Twohill. “The increases are extremely good for them and for the townspeople. It's an excellent contract. I do see Representative Black’s concerns, and I kind of share them as well; but I plan to vote for the contract.”

Everson echoed the sentiments of Riccio and Twohill with regard to the excellent work of Branford’s fire department.

“They do an excellent job, and we should all applaud the work that they do,” said Everson. “And if it is the union’s wish to go with a union health care plan, I see no reason to object to that. I think that if it provides a cost savings to the town, and the union is in agreement, then why not agree to allow that to occur?”

The contract was approved by a roll call vote of 23-1-0 among RTM members in attendance at the special meeting on July 27.

Branford Fire Fighters Local #2533 members include all uniformed full-time Firefighters, Firefighter/EMT's, Firefighter/Paramedics, Fire Inspector, Captains and Deputy Chiefs and Fire Marshal in Branford Fire Department. Exceptions are the positions of Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chief and/or clerical personnel.