The New York City firefighters have agreed a tentative contract with the city, which includes a raise of more than 17 percent. In return, the firefighters agreed to several concessions, including a steep cut in wages for new hires, a reduction in vacation time and the withdrawal of several grievances against the city. The concessions follow a pattern that has characterized the city's negotiations with other municipal unions over the last few months.
See "Firefighters Reach Accord With the City", Kareem Fahim, The New York Times, October 27, 2005