In a sign of tough budget times, the Madison firefighters union has ratified a new contract with no wage increase for 2010 and most of 2011.

The union, however, will get a 3 percent wage increase in the last period of 2011.

The city will continue health coverage for firefighters in 2010. But in 2011, the union will give up a bit of their wage increase if insurance premium costs rise above 10 percent.

“We’re glad that we can work together with the mayor to address the severe challenges city government will face in this budget,” firefighters Local 311 President Joe Conway said in statement.

"In the challenging budget situation we face, I am very pleased that we can work together and come to an
agreement that benefits the city and public safety,” Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said.  

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