VIDEO: Firefighters with the Columbus Division of Fire will receive a nearly 18% raise between now and October 2025 as part of a new three-year contract.
The contract will allow city firefighters to receive retroactive pay, in the amount of a 7.5% increase, dating back to their Nov. 1, 2023 pay period. The second pay raise would be 5% at the start of Nov. 1, 2024, and a 5% increase starting Nov. 1, 2025. A spokesperson with Columbus City Council said the contract will go into effect on Wednesday.
The 17.5% pay raise will cost the city $103 million over the next three years.
"It's one of the largest pay increases we've received in the last couple decades,” said Steven Stein President of Columbus Firefighters Local 167.
The fire department is the largest in the state.
According to the city, 1,712 members will get the pay raise.