DATE: April 21, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving a Side Letter of Agreement between the City of Hayward and Both Units Represented by the International Association of Firefighters, Local 1909: the Hayward Firefighters Association and the Hayward Fire Officers Association, for Deferring Cost of Living Adjustment Increases and Extending Previous Cost Saving Agreements; and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute the Agreement
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the City Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) approving a Side Letter of Agreement (Attachment III) between the City of Hayward and both the Hayward Firefighters Association and the Hayward Fire Officers Association, represented by the International Federation of Firefighters, Local 1909 (Local 1909) for continuing Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) increase deferrals and extending previously agreed-upon cost saving measures through fiscal year 2026-27; to create additional savings through the upcoming fiscal year.
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SUMMARY
The City of Hayward is facing a budget deficit and is taking measures to reduce costs. The City and Local 1909 met and conferred in good faith and reached tentative agreement in which Local 1909 represented employees will continue cost saving measures through fiscal year 2026-27, through June 30, 2027. In addition to the previous projected savings of $3.1 million in fiscal year 2025-26 and the already agreed upon savings of $2.9 million in fiscal year 2026-27, the extension of this agreement is projected to provide an additional savings of $3.3 million in fiscal year 2026-27 for a total of $6.2 million in General Fund cost savings for fiscal year 2026-27. The Union has agreed to enter discussions with the possibility of continuing the savings into future years after meeting and reviewing the City’s financial situation. In addition, the parties agreed to maintain the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) employee-paid employer cost share as detailed below.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution
Attachment III Side Letter of Agreement