As reported by the IAFF, the Taos, New Mexico, Town Council unanimously ratified Local 5245’s first contract last month, marking a major milestone for the local union.
This agreement includes a 22 percent wage increase, a structured pay scale, and a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Gabriel Romero, President of Local 5245, highlighted the importance of this contract: “The negotiations process was tough, but I think we accomplished our primary goals, which included setting foundational contract language and a wage increase.”
The agreement follows years of effort from Local 5245, which was formed in 2020 to represent the Taos Fire Department’s full-time firefighters.
The path to finalizing the contract required Local 5245 to build a relationship with town officials, many of whom were unfamiliar with labor negotiations.
According to Romero, there were initial challenges: “The concept of a union and negotiating contracts of this size and scope were relatively new to some town officials.”
Local 5245, which represents 12 full-time firefighters in a department that began as an all-volunteer force, had to overcome obstacles before negotiations could formally begin.
This involved laying foundational groundwork between the union and the town council to ensure a mutual understanding.
Negotiations between the town of Taos and Local 5245 started in 2023 with support from IAFF representatives, including Field Service Representative Justin Cheney.
A salary analysis conducted by the IAFF revealed that Taos firefighters were being paid 14 percent below market value, which became a focal point during negotiations.
The town initially resisted wage increases and other key priorities of Local 5245, leading to an impasse that triggered a mediation process.
Despite these setbacks, the union eventually secured a deal that included significant wage increases and contract terms benefiting the firefighters.
After mediation, both parties reached an agreement that included a 22 percent wage increase, a pay scale, and a 2 percent annual COLA.
The contract also introduces foundational language that the union sees as essential for future negotiations.
10th District Vice President Stephen Gilman acknowledged the hard work that went into achieving this result: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the local’s leadership and a textbook case of what is possible when locals use the IAFF resources that are available to them.” He commended Local 5245 for their efforts in securing the contract.
The Taos Town Council has ratified Local 5245’s first contract, offering a 22 percent wage increase and a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment.
The contract follows years of negotiation efforts by the union, which was formed in 2020 to represent the 12 full-time firefighters in the Taos Fire Department.
Initial wage negotiations revealed that the firefighters were earning 14 percent below market rates, which led to a mediation process.
With support from IAFF representatives, Local 5245 secured a contract that addresses these concerns, setting a new pay structure and providing foundational language for future agreements.
