Journal-News.com

Although the contract between West Chester Twp. and its fire union is fewer than three weeks from expiring and the two sides have yet to broach economic issues, officials are remaining optimistic.

The International Association of Firefighters Local 3518, which represents approximately 50 firefighters, medics and lieutenants in the West Chester Fire Department, has been working with township officials for the past few months on a three-year deal.

What remains to be hashed out before the current contract expires Dec. 31, though, are wage rates, health care benefits and the structure of the work week.

"We haven't even gotten there yet," said IAFF Local 3518 President Jeff Moore.

Still, Moore said the union is positive about finalizing the agreement's details sometime around the end of the year.

"Things are going well," Moore said, although he declined to provide specifics.

"I think both sides are understanding each other and working together," said James Detherage, the township's public safety director, who has been involved in negotiations. "I can't say we'll have an agreement by the end of the month, but I think things are going very well."

Both Moore and Detherage said this year's negotiations have been far better than meetings for the last contract in 2004 and 2005.

"Last time it was a lot longer," Moore said. "We were both kind of stuck on what we wanted. It was a real rough negotiation."

Moore said although bargaining continued after the last contract's expiration, the union agreed to work under the expired agreement.

"This time around, it's much better," Moore said about contract talks.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2112 or dgreber@coxohio.com.