City of Long Beach Reaches Tentative Labor Agreement with Long Beach Firefighters Association

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PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach has reached a tentative three-year labor agreement with the Long Beach Firefighters Association (FFA). The agreement provides for salary increases and incentives aimed at improving workforce productivity and skill levels.

"As Long Beach grows, our public safety systems must grow with it," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "This agreement isn't just about a contract-it's a commitment to our values and to the wellbeing of our community. By expanding paramedic services and investing in the pay, training and readiness of our firefighters, we are ensuring that when our residents call for help, we are there. This is how we build a safer, stronger and more resilient Long Beach-together."

For the first time in the City's history, the parties have reached an agreement that both addresses compensation for employees and adds Fire Department resources that will increase rescue availability and improve response time for the increased calls of service from the City's constituents. As a result, the parties agreed to add a full-time Paramedic Rescue to meet the ongoing and evolving needs of the public.

"This agreement reflects a balanced and forward-thinking approach that recognizes the critical and evolving role of our sworn Fire Department personnel," said City Manager Tom Modica. "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 tentative agreement includes the following major terms aimed at providing pay increases that are fair and fiscally sensible:

• Three-year contract from Oct. 1, 2025, to Sept. 30, 2028.
• General salary increases of 2 percent in the first year, 3 percent in the second year and 4 percent in the third year.
• Addition of one full-time Paramedic Rescue.
• Increase to eligible employees for Firefighter II skill pay.
• FFA active members will make mandatory contributions to their Retired Health Savings Account beginning Oct. 3, 2026.

"This agreement marks a new era of partnership between the City and our members, built on accountability, collaboration and a shared commitment to public safety," said Lamont Nguyen, FFA President. "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. Together, we've set a new standard that moves beyond 'doing more with less' toward a stronger, safer and more resilient community."

Members of the FFA voted to ratify the agreement on Oct. 25, 2025. The agreement will go before the Long Beach City Council for consideration and public discussion on Nov. 11, 2025. The FFA represents 411 sworn employees.

Prior to reaching this agreement, City and FFA representatives have held seven meetings since May 2025. The total estimated cost for this three-year agreement is $18.8 million for the General Fund Group and $19 million for All Funds.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-with Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information on the Long Beach Fire Department, visit longbeach.gov/fire and follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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