Labor and Union Issues
A Norfolk firefighter fired for off-duty medical marijuana use is challenging his dismissal as state law now protects employees using medical cannabis off the clock
As part of a restructuring plan, three Fort Myers Beach battalion chief positions will be cut, prompting warnings about leadership gaps on emergency scenes
About 85 Teamsters at Sutphen, Columbus’ main fire truck supplier, are on strike, raising concerns as the city faces an aging fleet
The union said they were concerned that the debate’s host may be giving Mayor Sylvester Turner too much control over the event
The Montana State Firemen’s Association is pushing to get a health and safety bill passed that would give firefighters financial coverage if they get cancer
Sources say the contract includes a 1.5 percent raise plus steps and longevities in the first year and 2 percent pay hikes in years two and three
San Antonio fire union President Chris Steele was reprimanded for wearing a fake uniform during a news conference that was nearly identical to its official counterpart
The Easton firefighters union said the part-time hires would mean a decrease in staffing, and added that the city will not send them to the fire academy for training
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tony George said firefighters on patrol are safer than at the station where they’re at risk of a heart attack when the alarm sounds
“I don’t know where it has its merit,” Williamsport Fire Chief Todd Heckman said of the Community Fire Watch program
A lawsuit filed by the La Verne Firefighters Association alleges Battalion Chief Michael Thompson took more than 250 videos and 1,500 photos of union members
Over 1,000 firefighters and members of the FDNY have been diagnosed with forms of cancer, respiratory problems or other 9/11-related illnesses
Mayor Tony George has resurrected a Community Fire Watch program in an attempt to increase public safety, but firefighter union officials say it’s a waste of money
IAFF Local 1783 said the Amesbury Fire Department was “unable to respond” to a mutual aid request due to “staffing issues”
A firefighters’ union launched a health and safety committee to tackle issues such as cancer and other health concerns firefighters face on the job
The union is urging voters to reject proposals, one of which eliminates the requirement that firefighters be certified paramedics
The current system in California could leave PG&E on the hook for as much as $15 billion for the fires last year
The Austin-Travis County EMS Employee Association and Lake Travis Fire Fighters Association are asking Travis County to reverse the funding cuts for ambulances
Mayor Joseph Butler Jr. insisted he will press on with his views about how the city can save money by changing the contract with the firefighters’ union
The union blasted the city for using what it called an anti-public safety law firm with a financial incentive to drag out negotiations
The Mattoon Fire Department will now be able to hire more firefighters after a judge said the city broke a contract by cutting down on their employees
La Verne Firefighters’ Association alleges that the fire chief retaliated against union members for supporting the mayor’s opponent during the 2017 campaign
Union president Daniel Daugherty said he plans to file an improper labor practice against the city after they suggested abolishing a battalion chief position
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Chief Dennis Jones said he would submit to the drug tests in an effort to make it a requirement for firefighters and paramedics
The union said firefighters and paramedics would be more willing to sign a contract that requires drug testing if the chief agrees to be tested as well
The union said that fire engine crews are made up of two people, when state law requires at least three to act when responding to a fire
Local 825 claimed they learned the union was misusing their funds that they believed were used to educate state lawmakers on firefighter issues
“Those that formed this group 100 years ago were doing it to assure that those that came after them would have better working conditions”
Firefighters said NASA fire and rescue operations contractor Chenega Infinity is trying to get rid of sick leave and cut down retirement benefits
Elgin fire Chief David Schmidt said that firefighters at the scene were without water for 77 seconds while trying to extinguish the blaze
The Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York claims Stephen Cassidy switched sides to run the city’s pension fund because it paid more
Twenty-year Mission Fire Department veteran Homer Salinas was denied because a research study claims firefighters are only at risk of three types of cancer
The fight came just one day after a rally at City Hall attended by roughly 200 people in support of the Professional Firefighters of Kokomo Local 396