Lawrence and firefighters union to begin mediated contract negotiations

Representatives for the City of Lawrence and the local firefighters union will soon begin mediated negotiations in an attempt to resolve disagreements regarding pay increases and other changes to the union’s contract.

The first meeting with a mediator from the United States Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service will be Thursday and is scheduled to last all day. Assistant City Manager Casey Toomay said the city and the union, Local 1596, have tentatively scheduled additional mediated meetings through Aug. 7.

“We look forward to having the assistance of a mediator and hope to reach agreement,” Toomay said.