Westport CT Firefighters, IAFF L1081

05/31/2026

We are proud to represent the members of the Westport Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 1081 as we head into arbitration with the Town of Westport.

This process is about more than wages and benefits — it’s about protecting the future of public safety in our community. Westport is already facing firefighter retention challenges, with newly trained firefighters leaving for neighboring departments that offer more competitive compensation and retirement benefits.

Our members proudly serve this town every day, responding when residents need us most. We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement that helps Westport recruit and retain the highly trained firefighters this community deserves.

Thank you to the residents who continue to support your firefighters and recognize the value of a strong, professional fire department.

https://westportjournal.com/police-fire/westport-and-firefighters-set-to-begin-arbitration/

05/24/2026

Thoughts and prayers to the brothers of Boston Firefighters Local 718 IAFF

04/17/2026

In 2016, under the Marpe administration, the Town of Westport sought wholesale changes to the retirement plan for Westport Firefighters. Under the threat of arbitration, and current employees losing their benefits, a deal was made which gutted retirement benefits for new hires, while also reducing benefits for current employees. At the time, the Town was warned these changes would cause significant problems regarding recruitment and retention. The Marpe administration chose to ignore those warnings.

Fast forward to today, the Westport Fire Department has a significant issue with retaining its firefighters. The department will hire, train, and invest in these firefighters, only to have them leave for other departments who offer significantly better benefits.

When the current pension agreement expired in 2024, it was the goal of this Union to solve our retention issue by addressing the shortfalls in post-retirement benefits. Over the past two years, multiple attempts and offers have been made to the Town by this Union which not only would solve this retention issue, but also save money through proposals that would benefit both parties. These attempts have fallen short with the Tooker administration as well as the current administration. Over the course of two years, the Town made one offer, while simultaneously rejecting every one of ours.

We are proud and honored to represent the men and women who comprise the rank and file of the Westport Fire Department. The work they do on an everyday basis is second to none. It is far past time the Town recognize this work accordingly and negotiate with us to solve this issue plaguing the department. Not only do the firefighters deserve better, but so do the residents of Westport.

The Westport Fire Department asks for $495,615 to replace five recently hired, but now departed, firefighters.