East Dundee, Countryside Fire Protection District Overwhelmingly Ratifies First Contract

Nineteen workers at the East Dundee/Countryside Fire Protection District overwhelmingly ratified their first union contract on Aug. 8 with Teamsters Local 330.

The part-time firefighters, paramedics and EMTs voted 12-1 to secure their rights after voting to join Elgin-based Local 330 last December. During seven rounds of contract negotiations from February through June, the local union worked to establish job security, safety and seniority rights for the public employees. The union also fought to secure strong wage increases for the length of the three-year deal.

Workers will enjoy a five percent pay increase in the first year alone.

“Local 330 is extremely proud to represent the East Dundee and Countryside Fire Protection District, home to public servants who stick together and do what’s right,” said Dominic Romanazzi, Local 330 President. “With all the rights and protections of a strong Teamster contract, these workers have taken control of their future to better provide for their families and co-workers.”

In addition to wage increases, the new contract also solidifies the Fire District’s first formal grievance procedure and it also established work rules regarding safety meetings. The public employees will have paid access to training opportunities, including commercial driver’s licensing reimbursement, as well as new allowances for uniforms and paid personal time off.

Within its powerful membership, Teamsters Local 330 represents more than 800 public employees in Public Works, Fire Protection, Judicial Court Services and other related industries across northern Illinois. Local 330 is an affiliate of Teamsters Joint Council 25, which represents more than 100,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana.