Labor and Union Issues
After more than a decade of joint rescues and wildfire response, Bernalillo County firefighters were ousted from the Metro Air Support Unit following a policy change allowing off-duty cannabis use
Once plagued by “a staffing nightmare” Carroll County Fire and EMS now maintains full coverage through strategic planning, paid staffing models and firefighter support
A new analysis recommends hiring more firefighters and rethinking cross-staffing practices at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department
The bill aims to improve the collection of data regarding first responders, especially firefighters and EMS personnel
Overtime was temporarily suspended to combat economic loss related to the pandemic
Morgantown firefighters said City Manager Kim Haws made a change that would cut firefighters’ pay by $2,000 a year
The city was previously ordered to pay more than $90,000 in backpay to 15 firefighters
Shelly LeGere is currently campaigning to have ALS fire apparatus respond to medical calls
Racine firefighters are seeking to have a judge overturn a recent arbitration ruling
Union leaders disagreed with the fire commissioner’s response that it all comes down to collective bargaining
The milestone anniversary was marked with the celebration of achievements and continued calls for equal pay for EMS providers
Lawyers for the former Huntsville firefighter say he was labeled a “pill popper” after experiencing surgery complications
The deputy chief was investigated for use of a racial slur, work schedule discrepancies and retaliation against subordinates
The New York State Professional Firefighters Association raised concerns about the circumstances of the incident
IAFF Local 93 members voted on a resolution of censure citing complaints about safety, equipment, discipline and policy changes
The Oakland fire union president supported moving the program to the fire department instead of an independent organization
Mobile Medical Response officials disputed claims by Traverse City firefighters that service has worsened
The proposal faced pushback from several Brevard County commissioners and the local fire union
St. Louis Firefighter-EMT Demetris “Al” Alfred told the president his biggest concern was financial support to avoid layoffs and budget cuts
The union representing Doña Ana County firefighters questioned why paid county first responders are required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine while volunteers are not required
The Georgia captain was selected to represent the fire service as a tribute to the dedication and commitment of firefighters during a tumultuous 2020
Ogdensburg fire union officials objected to the restructure, saying it goes against their collective bargaining agreement
The Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts joined with teachers’ unions in promoting a program that would deploy first responders to schools
The Ogdensburg union has fought to restore the department to a minimum of 24 members following budget cuts and layoffs
New Haven fire officials said the COVID-19 pandemic is to blame for the excessive overtime costs
The firefighter-paramedic, who is also the fire chief’s nephew, said the chief’s mandatory testing policy goes beyond CDC guidelines
The bill, which would give seasonal wildland firefighters the same disciplinary rights as permanent firefighters, is supported by CAL FIRE Local 2881
The parents of the 3-year-old girl who suffered burns in a cooking accident said they waited 20 minutes for an ambulance before the firefighter offered to transport her
South Fulton Fire Capt. Andrea Hall recited the Pledge of Allegiance in both English and American Sign Language
Oakland union representatives and officials from neighboring cities said the brownouts will have a “cascading effect” on local fire and EMS response
South Fulton Fire Capt. Andrea Hall, a 28-year fire veteran and the president of IAFF Local 3920, said she was “thrilled and humbled” to be selected for the ceremony
The raises, originally scheduled to begin this summer, will be delayed for 18 months to put a hold on proposed layoffs as the city faces a $675 million budget shortfall
The city of Ogdensburg is seeking to stop the union from going to an arbitrator over a minimum staffing clause included in its contract