The two unions representing firefighters in Wauwatosa and West Allis released a joint statement on Feb. 25 saying they support the two cities' decision to create a consolidated fire department that has the potential to "improve efficiency, strengthen operations and position Milwaukee Metro Fire Rescue for
long-term success."
The unions' statement also refers to the need to negotiate a new labor contract with the new department once it is up and running. They call for "clear commitment that firefighter/paramedic staffing levels, wages, benefits, and working conditions are maintained or improved throughout implementation and in the successor collective bargaining agreement."
The Wauwatosa and West Allis councils, meeting separately, both voted Feb. 24 in favor of the agreement after more than a year of discussions between the two cities' top officials. After public input was sought on a possible merger starting in September 2025, city officials spent several months negotiating a final agreement for a joint department.