Lawrence City Commissioners Decide on Firefighters Union Contract
Lawrence city commissioners voted 3-1 to approve raises for the firefighters union as proposed by city staff, rather than the higher raises recommended by the union and an independent fact-finder.
The city staff proposed 3% raises, while the International Association of Firefighters Local 1596 sought 4.5% raises. An independent fact-finder recommended a 4.5% raise after hearing arguments from both sides.
Megan Dodge, outgoing director of human resources, and Seamus Albritton, president of IAFF Local 1596, presented their positions to the city commission.
The city commission's decision ended the impasse and finalized the union's 2026 contract.
Author's summary: City commissioners approve 3% raises for firefighters.