Today, at the DC Fire and EMS Department’s (DCFEMS) Training Academy, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Ed Smith, President of the DC Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 36 signed a settlement agreement, ending a 14-year lawsuit between the Union and the District government.

“I am pleased to announce that the District has resolved the longstanding overtime issue with Local 36, who represents our firefighters and emergency services personnel. Thanks to the hard work of all the parties, we have resolved overtime pay issues for the past, present, and future,” said Mayor Bowser.

“This settlement helps ensure that the hard-working men and women at DCFEMS are paid for the overtime that they have already worked and earned,” continued Bowser.

Beginning on the October 18, 2015 pay period, the District will compensate Union members time and one-half for time worked over 42 hours in a week. Union members impacted will be awarded back pay, dating back to September 23, 2001.  By the end of the year, payments will be made to the vast majority of affected members.

“We could not be more excited to settle a matter that started in 2001, covers more than 3,000 firefighters and was disputed with three previous mayoral administrations. Today, we thank Mayor Muriel Bowser for her leadership in settling this dispute. It means the world to the men and women who serve the District residents every day and night,” said Local 36 President Ed Smith.

The total cost of the settlement is expected to be $45 million dollars. Funds have already been allotted through surplus revenue in FY15.