IAFF local 4269 ratifies agreement with the Town of Ocean City despite concerns

A majority of the members of local 4269 have voted to confirm a collective bargaining agreement with the town of Ocean City.

The agreement says that the town can transition fire/EMS personnel to two hour ten day shifts, followed by two 14 hour night shifts followed by four days off as soon as October first. This will be until June 30, 2019 and it lets employees advance a step to be awarded a one point five percent cost of living adjustment on July first of 2017 and 2018.

In addition, the town will pay a one time transition bonus totaling 50,000 that includes creation of a deferred retirement option program.

President of the OC Firefighters Union, Ryan Whittington, says although not all members supported the agreement the town was going to implement their last offer. He says, "We ratified this agreement because we recognize that the perpetual conflict, it's not good for our fire department and it's not good for our community."

Whittington also says that he believes that its time for them to move on, to do what is best for the community, and to have a relationship with the mayor and council.