Firefighters, police review Oklahoma City’s work contract offer

Fire and police union officials are considering a new work contract offer from Oklahoma City that could end a bitter contract dispute between the city and its unions.

The offer, made to both unions Friday by City Manager Jim Couch, does not include raises for firefighters or police officers, fire union President Phil Sipe said.

"It was positive,” Sipe said of Friday’s meeting with Couch and city officials. "I told them I’d need a few days to discuss it with the guys and gals on the job.”

Sipe declined to discuss specifics, but said he expects to give the city an answer next week.

City Attorney Kenny Jordan denied a request by The Oklahoman for a copy of the offer, claiming it could violate labor practices.

The city and International Association of Firefighters Local 157 have been haggling over the firefighter work contract since this summer, when negotiations stalled and were sent to arbitration.

Firefighters received the 1 percent raise they were seeking in arbitration, but city council members fought that ruling and called an election for Feb. 9 in which voters would decide if firefighters should get a raise.

Other city employees didn’t get raises this year because of major city revenue shortfalls.

Neither the police or fire union have agreed on a work contract for its members for this fiscal year.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 123 President Gil Hensley had no comment.