Firefighters Gain Disability-Benefit Equalization, ­Extra­ Staffing At 20 Engine Cos. As Part of Wage Accord

In a move that brought less-senior Firefighters a giant step closer to equalization of disability benefits, the Uniformed Firefighters Association Aug. 6 agreed to terms on a new wage contract as part of a package deal in which the de Blasio administration will support legislation to restore the right to a nontaxable disability allowance equal to three-quarters of final average salary.

The city, by getting the union to accept raises of 11 percent over seven years consistent with previous uniformed contracts, further minimized the chances of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association exceeding the pattern in a pending arbitration case, and the disability-benefit portion of the deal presented an incentive for the PBA to interrupt the arbitration to negotiate similar terms.