Contract discussions between the city of Fort Wayne and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 124 have stalled. One sticking point is an exclusive benefit not shared by any other city union, and the administration’s ability to continue to pay for it.

Firefighters are entitled to up to 365 days off with full pay for illness or injury, regardless of whether the impairment was sustained during work or off duty. But the new state budget, which took effect July 1, cut $2 billion from Indiana’s previous spending plan. That’s money that won’t be available for schools and other governmental services.

City negotiators have proposed reducing the amount of paid time off for nonduty-related injuries or illness to six months, while preserving the full provision for duty-related issues.

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