Transcript Staff Writer

MOORE -- Firefighters in Moore will see "about a 3 percent" pay increase under a new contract signed by city officials earlier this month.

The contract -- the second part of a two-year agreement -- was passed by unanimous "yes" vote at last week's city council meeting.

"It's a good contract," said Brian Foughty, president of International Association of Firefighters, Local 2047 -- the union which represents Moore's firemen. "It's the second year of a two-year contract and it's pretty good."

The union represents about 57 Moore firefighters.

Under the agreement, Foughty said most firemen would see 3 percent raises, while drivers would receive a 4.2 percent increase in their pay, and the city's four assistant chiefs would have their pay increased by about 7 percent.

For a seasoned firemen, Foughty said that increase means about $1,716 more per year or an increase of $67 per paycheck.

In addition to the added pay, firemen would also see their longevity pay go up by about $40 for a firefighter with three years' service -- from $1,002 to $1,064.

In Moore, firefighters are eligible for longevity pay after completing three years of employment with the city.

Foughty said he was pleased by the smoothness of negotiations.

"We didn't have any problems," he said. "And that was due to very good administration and city management, they are easy to work with. We provide a good service and they help us out."

Other components of the contract include:

All firefighters eligible for rank of Corporal shall have completed 2 years service with the Moore Fire department.

All drivers eligible for the rank of Lieutenant shall have served at least 5 years with the department.

Employees subject to the contract "shall have no right to any work stoppage, slowdown or strike."