An arbitrator has sided with the local firefighters’ union, ordering Charlotte County to pay about 200 employees some $800,000 in retroactive salary increases — a decision that prompted strong criticism from county commissioners, who say the union should forgo raises voluntarily.

According to County Administrator Ray Sandrock, the arbitrator’s final, binding decision came down Wednesday after a series of attempts to resolve a grievance between the International Association of Fire Fighters and the county failed.