By Elaine Aradillas
Orlando Sentinel (Florida)
Copyright 2007 Sentinel Communications Co.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Osceola County Fire Rescue’s union has entered negotiations early with county staff in an effort to hammer out a new contract before their current pact expires later this year.
If both sides agree, this would be the first time the union representing county firefighters and emergency medical personnel have a new contract in place before the current one expires Oct. 1, they say.
“We’ve gotten through 80 percent of the contract,” said Todd Smith, the union local’s president. Most of the issues resolved do not involve money, he said.
The effort to remain financially competitive with other fire departments is the Osceola union’s biggest issue, but is not yet an obstacle, Smith said.
“Pay and maintaining benefits is our biggest issue,” he said. “There are a combination of things we’re trying to improve upon, but I don’t think we’re far off.”
Variables that could affect the speed of ratifying a new contract, he said, include the appointment of a new county manager and the lack of a permanent public-safety director, whose duties is being fulfilled on an interim basis.
Iowa administrator Michael Freilinger started work as county manager Monday after a 10-month nationwide search. The public-safety director’s position was recently vacated by Tad Stone, who left for a similar position in Seminole County.
Understandably, officials said, it will take time for the new county manager to get up to speed on local issues and begin making decisions about the county budget.
“If he wants to cut the budget, then that could affect us,” Smith said.
But for now, the negotiations have gone quickly and smoothly, he added.
Tim Debrecht, deputy chief for fire rescue, said he has been on both sides of the table during his career and knows how important it is to get a new contract.
He said a smooth process is beneficial to management, as well as for the employees, because it creates a productive work environment with positive morale.
“My goal is to get the best contract for the guys because they deserve it,” he said. “Our theory is to be up front on everything and not hold back.”
Meanwhile, Kissimmee firefighters have been working without a contract since the end of September. City officials said the two sides are at an impasse. Both have submitted briefs outlining their positions to a special magistrate, who will recommend a settlement that both parties will consider, Leonard Carson, Kissimmee’s labor attorney, said Friday.