Labor and Union Issues
The proposed legislation would bring concerns about minimum staffing levels into collective bargaining discussions
Court ruling restores power to all public sector workers who would be treated the same as the police officers, firefighters and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law
In the fire department’s fleet, 63% of the engines, 33% of the trucks and 20% of the tower ladders have been in use longer than their 15-year recommended lifespan
Akron Fire Lt. Russell Brode, former president of IAFF Local 330, is remembered as an advocate for firefighter safety
Dozens of FDNY members spoke in a demonstration on Sunday, and an FDNY engine honked in support of a group of protesters on Saturday night
A video posted to Twitter shows the white off-duty lieutenant parked in the driveway of the woman, who is a racial minority, after following her
EMS Chief Dr. Mike McEvoy reminds, “There is no other component of the fire service that saves more lives than EMS”
The city manager of Chickasha, Okla. was criticized for his comments following a proposal to cut $1 million from the city’s fire and police departments
North Bend voters will decide whether to reduce the public safety fee, which union members worry will lead to significant cuts
The fire and police chiefs of the city of Schenectady responded to the prospect of losing 33 firefighter-medics and 40 police officers
Extrapolated results from an economic impact survey of IAFC members found “draconian numbers” of potential layoffs and revenue loss
The first responders were among 56 employees laid off or furloughed to save the city about $700,000 during the pandemic
The presidents of the Uniformed Firefighters Association and Uniformed EMTs, Paramedics & Fire Inspectors strongly criticized Mayor Bill de Blasio’s comments
Mayor Bill de Blasio said the city has lost $7.4 billion during the pandemic and cuts including essential workers may be necessary
Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy said major cuts in both public safety and other departments will be necessary without federal aid
Atlanta Fire Capt. Danny Dwyer spoke publicly for the first time about his suspension, revealing that he has accepted a position with another department
Firefighters will be tested during shift changes at stations that have had several virus cases
About 1,000 members were tested for antibodies this week as part of a pilot program to determine how many first responders may have immunity
Union officials say the change withholds one week of pay until a firefighter retires or leaves the department
Frederick County firefighters collaborated with a local farm to cheer up nursing home residents during the pandemic
Firefighters said they were given no notice in advance before the station was closed due to COVID-19-related budget issues
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged the federal government to implement hazard pay for first responders, hospital workers and others deemed essential
Fire department officials said the decision was made due to long-term retention issues in combination with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis
The city of Topeka announced 3% pay cuts for firefighters and police officers last week due to pandemic-related budget issues
The mayor of one city said he anticipated public safety cuts of up to 20% due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
City officials said they seek to protect employees’ privacy, but a union official said employees also want to know how many department members are affected
Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey President Dominick Marino, 61, died at his home Tuesday afternoon after serving as PFANJ president for 12 years
The legislation would make first responders who become disabled or die from COVID-19 eligible for compensation under the Public Safety Officer Benefit program
The bill guarantees that people in high-risk jobs who contract COVID-19 will be eligible for workers’ compensation without having to prove the infection was a direct result of their jobs
The new state rule creates the assumption that first responders diagnosed with or quarantined for the disease were exposed while on duty
The COVID-19 “Heroes Fund” would increase pay for first responders and other essential employees by $13 per hour
Several local governments have implemented hazard pay and stipends for first responders and other front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
Jim Brinkley, assistant to the general president for technical assistance and information resources at IAFF, said the count is likely higher due to underreporting
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