Labor and Union Issues
Three people were killed when a Kansas City fire engine struck a vehicle and crashed into a building
Council petition seeks to cut the time spent in training in half, getting cadets into the academy faster
Tampa union leader said his arrest was due to the city punishing him for his union advocacy
Guy Morgan was placed on administrative leave after posting lewd and offensive comments on Facebook
The debate over staffing levels has made headlines since 2011, when an arbitrator eliminated a minimum manning clause, which required the city to staff at least 22 firefighters on any given shift
Elgin, Ill. officials say paying overtime saves 20 percent in the long run versus hiring more firefighters; the fire union says the model compromises safety
The union says response was delayed because they were miles away on mosquito patrol; the chief calls that a “blatant lie.”
Nearly half of the county’s fire calls ended up not being fires at all
Desperate to save money, a California fire board threatening retroactive pay cuts has painted itself into a corner
An attorney who represents IAFF Local 3605, said she believed the retroactive pay cuts were illegal
The president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 330 calls that claim “absolutely absurd.”
To save money, the village fired all of its career firefighters last month and went to an all-volunteer department
Portland officials say he’s not allowed to use vacation time after accepting another job, he says the move was approved and been done previously
Officials say the demotions will save $70,000; the union says it will compromise response
Lee Bronson initially refused to sign the agreement saying he felt he was being pushed out for unknown reasons
The township manager says Rich Marinucci resigned as chief; Marinucci says he was fired without cause
The agreement prevented numerous experienced firefighters from leaving their jobs over retirement benefits
First responder fatigue is a growing concern within the fire and EMS community
Over 10,000 letters have been sent out in order to be qualified for World Trade Center disabilities
The district has been losing firefighters to retirement and to other fire departments, but is receiving more calls than ever
The overhaul establishes a tier for newly hired employees, limiting maximum pension payments and equalizing employer and employee contribution rates
An audit revealed numerous pay errors within the fire department
He’s accused of stealing from the utility workers’ union where he served as treasurer for over 10 years
The district and union can’t agree on pay increases, insurance benefits, medical body scans and the continuation of a special-operations team
Officials said their population has doubled and tripled in some areas; crews have been responding to 100 more calls a year
The district has only one EMT staffed to run the ambulance service
The paramedic claims the city’s chief became “loud and aggressive” toward her after the grievance was filed
A report cited a dozen cases of mishandling and lack of judgment
Under the agreement, the chief would’ve received 20 weeks of severance pay but it wouldn’t allow him to retain health benefits
A fire department spokesman said paramedics aren’t sent into areas where they need it; union officials say that is not true
The “firefighter’s rule” shields agencies and property owners from civil liability because firefighters know the job comes with inherent risks
The fire station is responsible for covering 4,000 miles, but only has two firefighters during each shift
The veteran firefighter allegedly used the hydrant while off duty
