City council approves deal with firefighters

By Rachel Bass

Champaign City Council members approved an ordinance Tuesday night between the city of Champaign and the International Association of Fire Fighters for a three-year labor agreement for the term that began July 2004.

Audience member Pat Devaney approached the podium on behalf of the Champaign firefighters and thanked council members and all those involved for their patience throughout the agreement process. Although the duration of the discussions between the Champaign firefighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters were lengthy, both sides enjoyed productive dialogue, he said. Devaney also said he thought the community would benefit greatly from the agreement.

Council members were also joined by a group of Boy Scouts, who led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.