Illinois

EP Council Appears to Compromise on Firefighter Contract

WCBU | By Tim Shelley

Published November 19, 2019 at 9:06 PM CST

It appears a protracted dispute over the East Peoria firefighter union's contract may be resolved.

The East Peoria City Council voted Tuesday night to approve the first reading with four ayes. Commissioner Dan Decker abstained.

Decker is a firefighter and former union member who's now in a management job. He voted on a previous version of the contract, raising questions over whether it was legal and proper for him to do so.

"There was a lot of effort put into this contract. And I'm pleased where it ends up tonight. And I think everybody is - nothing's perfect, but I think it's a fair and good contract for all. And the next five years, we can focus on other things," said East Peoria Mayor John Kahl.

The altered contract eliminated sick-time buyback and hikes raises in the first year to 1.75 percent, from the previous 1.5 percent.

The council will vote on the second reading in two weeks.