Wichita City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a new three-year contract for the city’s firefighters.

The contract will provide for a general pay increase of 9 percent along with merit-based step increases.  There will also be pay increases for medical certification, among a number of other provisions.

Ted Bush, president of Local 135 of the International Association of Firefighters, said the contract will provide a much-needed sense of security and stability to the union members.  He said it will be life-changing for firefighters and their families and it will make Wichita one of the best cities in the country for future firefighters.   Bush thanked the people of Wichita for their support and said “we will continue to serve each one of you with pride, professionalism and gratitude.”

The contract was approved by just over 96 percent of union members in November.

Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple said the goal is to have the best fire department in the state of Kansas and this region, “and that means paying (firefighters) what they deserve and giving them the equipment that they need so not only can they do their job but they can do it as safe as possible.”