The Shaker Heights City Council meeting on July 28, 2025, focused on the approval of a new labor agreement for the city's firefighters, following extensive negotiations that began in January after the previous contract expired at the end of 2024.

Chief Sweeney reported that negotiations reached an impasse, prompting the union to seek mediation from the state employment relations board. A fact-finding hearing was held on June 9, and after continued discussions, a tentative agreement was reached on June 26. The union membership voted in favor of the agreement on July 17.

The new contract includes a 3.5% pay raise for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027, along with a $3,000 increase in base pay to reflect the requirement that all firefighters must now be paramedics. Additionally, firefighters will receive time-and-a-half pay for working on major holidays, including New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Significantly, the contract introduces paid maternity and paternity leave effective January 1, 2026, allowing six weeks off, equating to 12 shifts. Furthermore, the firefighters' workweek will be reduced from 50 hours to 48 hours starting in 2027, providing them with four additional days off each year. The total financial impact of the contract over three years is estimated at $901,000, which includes a budget shortfall of $286,000 for 2025 due to the increased wage commitments.

In addition to economic changes, the contract emphasizes health and wellness by requiring annual medical fitness exams for firefighters, aimed at addressing the health risks associated with their profession.

Council members expressed strong support for the agreement, highlighting its benefits for employee welfare and the commitment to long-term health for firefighters. The council is expected to pass the contract as an emergency measure to finalize the agreement promptly.