The city of Moline has reached an agreement with its firefighter's union, Local 581.
The city council approved a new three-year contract that saves jobs and keeps the city from privatizing its EMS service. The deal ends seven months of negotiations.
In December, the city voted to privatize after long discussions about the city's budget situation. It claimed privatizing would save the city money and cut its deficit, by cutting 12 firefighter positions. In March, the city started negotiations with Genesis to take over the EMS service.
This new deal ends privatization, while still saving the city 1.3 million dollars over the term of the contract. It also saves 7 firefighters jobs. Five of them will still be eliminated, but only by attrition.
Union President Brian Vyncke says the parties were able to reach the agreement because the firefighters decided that saving jobs was the most important thing to fight for.
Alderman Sean Liddell also praised the decision, saying it shows the city's committment to public safety and fiscal responsibility.