ANAHEIM

A monthlong arbitration hearing between the Anaheim Firefighters Assn. and the city over contract conditions ended last week with the two sides remaining far apart on wages.

The firefighters have asked for what would amount to a 15% raise by January, but the city’s offer would give them a 3.5% increase.

Firefighters say their demands are not excessive because they have not had a raise since 1996, when their last contract ended. The city has said it cannot afford to pay any more than what it has offered.

The arbitrator is expected to rule by early next year.