City reaches tentative labor deals with Long Beach Firefighters, Lifeguards associations – Press Telegram

Long Beach has reached tentative labor agreements with the Long Beach Firefighters Association and the Long Beach Lifeguards Association.

Both labor agreements will provide salary increases for employees. The firefighters’ agreement also includes incentives aimed at improving workforce productivity and skill levels, while the lifeguards’ agreement includes incentives for improving workforce retention, according to city announcements released on Monday, Nov. 3.

The three-year contracts for the Firefighters Association and Lifeguards Association will run retroactively from Oct. 1 of this year to Sept. 30, 2028. Contracts still need to be approved by the City Council, officials said.

The agreement between Long Beach and the Firefighters Association adds Fire Department resources that will increase rescue availability and improve response times for the increased service calls from the city’s constituents, officials said. As a result, the parties agreed to add a full-time paramedic rescue to meet the ongoing and evolving needs of the public.

The tentative agreement includes increasing salaries 2% in the first year, 3% in the second year and 4% in the third year; adding one full-time paramedic rescue; increasing eligible employees for Firefighter II skill pay; and requiring active members of the association make mandatory contributions to their retired health saving account beginning on Oct. 3, 2026.

“This agreement marks a new era of partnership between the City and our members,” Long Beach Firefighter Association President Lamont Nguyen said in a statement, “built on accountability, collaboration and a shared commitment to public safety.

“It secures the staffing, equipment and resources our firefighters need to protect a growing Long Beach while ensuring the City continues to invest in its people,” Nguyen added. “Together, we’ve set a new standard that moves beyond ‘doing more with less’ toward a stronger, safer and more resilient community.”

The Long Beach Firefighter Association represents 411 sworn employees; members of the association voted to ratify the agreement last month. Prior to reaching this agreement, city and association representatives had held seven meetings since May.

The total estimated cost for the three-year agreement is $18.8 million for the general fund and $19 million for all other funds, according to the city announcement.

“This agreement reflects a balanced and forward-thinking approach that recognizes the critical and evolving role of our sworn Fire Department personnel,” City Manager Tom Modica said in a statement. “By investing in the people who serve, we also invest in the safety, resilience and quality of life of everyone in Long Beach. I want to thank the FFA for their close partnership in reaching this agreement.”

The Lifeguards Association agreement, meanwhile, provides for salary increases and incentives aimed at improving workforce retention, including a new education pay for lifeguard non-careers to serve as a recruitment and retention incentive, according to the city’s announcement.

The tentative agreement includes general salary increases of 2% in the first year, 2% in the second year, and 3% in the third year; salary adjustments for the classifications of marine safety battalion chief, marine safety officer and marine safety rescue boat captain; and the new education pay for lifeguard non-careers.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the City that supports our lifeguards,” Lifeguards Association President Devon Beebe said in a statement, “and ensures our ability to continue providing vital water safety services for the residents and visitors of Long Beach.”

The Lifeguards Association represents 211 employees, and members voted to ratify the agreement last month, officials said. Prior to reaching this agreement, the city and association representatives held six negotiation meetings since June.

The total estimated cost for this three-year agreement is $1.62 million for all funds, according to the city’s announcement.

“Long Beach’s lifeguards are an essential part of what makes our city safe and welcoming,” Modica said in a statement. “Together with LGA, we have reached an agreement that supports our lifeguards, advances their wellness and professional development and supports our ability to recruit and retain top talent that protects our beaches, waterways and community. Thank you to LGA for their collaboration in reaching this agreement.”

The agreements will go before the Long Beach City Council for consideration and public discussion on Tuesday, Nov. 11.