Hundreds of Chicago Firefighters and Paramedics Still Waiting for Back Pay

Administrative mistakes by the city have delayed distribution of retroactive pay raises

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Hundreds of Chicago firefighters and paramedics are still waiting for four years' worth of retroactive pay raises after the city failed to distribute the checks by the December 30 deadline. The problem started when the city waited until mid-January to start cutting the checks, and then realized they had not properly deducted pension contributions. This has led to further delays and complications as the city tries to recoup money that was incorrectly deposited into employee deferred compensation accounts.

Why it matters

The delayed back pay is causing financial hardship for many firefighters and paramedics who were counting on the lump-sum payments. The city's failure to meet the contractual deadline also means they owe the workers 4.5% annual interest on the late payments, which the city is disputing. This payroll snafu is the latest example of administrative incompetence by the new Johnson administration, raising concerns about their ability to effectively manage the city's finances.

The details

When the city finally started distributing the back pay checks in mid-January, they realized they had not properly deducted pension contributions. This led to some employees having money removed from their deferred compensation accounts, and checks being sent to old addresses that the workers no longer live at. The city is now refusing to cut new checks until they get the original ones back, putting the workers in a difficult position.

  • The contract deadline for delivering the retroactive pay raises was December 30, 2025.
  • The city waited until at least two weeks after the deadline, until mid-January 2026, to start cutting the back pay checks.

The players

Pat Cleary

President of the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago.

Michael Belsky

The City Comptroller of Chicago.

Matt O'Shea

Alderman representing the 19th Ward in Chicago, home to many firefighters and paramedics.

Nick Sposato

Alderman representing the 38th Ward in Chicago, and a former Chicago firefighter.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.