From The San Francisco Chronicle, February 3

CHICO, CA – The union representing Chico firefighters has agreed to give up raises for two years and roll back wages for new hires to save jobs.

Firefighters were scheduled to receive 4 percent increases this year and next. Eliminating those will save the city about $800,000 over two years. Chico also will pay about $66,000 less in health and dental insurance coverage.

With the fire union's agreement, all eight of the city's employee groups have now accepted wage and health insurance concessions the city sought to balance its budget.

City Manager Dave Burkland says if the City Council ratifies the new firefighters' contract, officials could rescind layoff notices that already have been sent to five firefighters.