WESTFORD — Westford firefighters have worked nearly two years without a contract, the Westford Firefighters Association, Union Local 3126 recently announced.
In a statement posted on social media on Feb. 13, the union said that firefighters were “590 days without a contract,” with “no competitive wage offers from the town after years of bargaining sessions and mediation.”
According to the union, Westford firefighters have one of the lowest comparable wages in the state, but are still expected to perform at a high level.
The union said the Town of Westford has not offered an agreement that the union feels is fair and competitive, adding that town officials “continue to refuse to settle” on one.
“We maintain that the services we provide are extremely valuable,” the union said. “The Town has yet to offer an agreement we feel is fair and competitive and continues to refuse to settle. Westford Firefighters remain committed to serving this community — but we deserve a contract that reflects the work we do and the risks we take. We are ready to settle a fair deal at any time.”
WestfordCAT reached out to Town Manager Kristen Las, to ask for a response to the union’s statement.
Las told WestfordCAT that negotiations for a new contract for town firefighters are currently underway, although a deal between the two parties has not yet been reached. She was not at liberty to share more, since negotiations remain ongoing.
On Feb. 17, the union posted another statement on social media highlighting the importance of a new contract and the factors that are hoping the new contract will resolve.
The following factors were points of concern for firefighters.
- Competition from other towns can potentially recruit Westford firefighters and offer them better wages
- The high-quality EMS Westford offers requires highly-trained professionals
- Equipment advocacy means nothing without people to operate it
- Firefighter recruitment is already a national crisis
- Lack of staffing directly impacts response times
- Lack of a contract affects the continuity of care and community trust.
“A fair and timely contract is essential to keeping experienced firefighters here and attracting the next generation of candidates,” the union said. “When positions go unfilled or become vacant, it can impact response times, training, and the level of care we’re able to provide. We are committed to delivering the high-quality fire and EMS service our residents deserve, and we hope to reach an agreement that allows us to continue protecting this community for years to come.”
