OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Omaha firefighters could soon have their first new contract since 2007 after negotiators reached a tentative deal.
The firefighters union's executive board voted Tuesday to recommend the deal. But it must be approved by the full union and the City Council.
Officials say this deal would help shore up the underfunded pension fund and reduce the city's obligations because firefighters will contribute more and new hires will be promised a smaller pension.
The city says this deal would cost less than the one Mayor Jim Suttle presented last year.
Under the contract firefighters would pay for 7 percent of their health insurance costs, which saves the city $680,000.
Firefighters would get raises of 2.5 percent in 2012, 2.25 percent in 2013 and 2.9 percent in 2014.
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