Labor Issues
The labor issues topic brings together a range of relevant news, articles and resources for firefighters and departments. Check out developments from the IAFF and the IAFC, as well as the latest legal and budgetary issues facing departments. Learn to identify and manage the greatest stresses on your workforce, improve morale and avoid professional missteps.
Three people were killed when a Kansas City fire engine struck a vehicle and crashed into a building
Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn reversed course after appointing herself as head of the department in latest confrontation with union
Medford firefighters’ union filed a lawsuit to collect backpay after mayor claims firefighters organized a mass sickout
The former Buffalo firefighter-EMT says he was fired under an outdated collective bargaining agreement
An attorney for members of the Morgantown firefighters’ union said the lawsuit is the latest escalation in the city’s “war” on the fire department
Firefighters shared emotional testimony to the state legislature about their struggles with traumatic calls
Union
IAFF Local 734 shared an audio clip of someone saying there were no units to send to the scene of a quadruple shooting
Under the bill, first responders no longer need to prove their stress was unusual compared to their coworkers’ to receive compensation
Union
The confrontation led to a criminal charge against Ogdensburg Mayor Jeffrey M. Skelly
Whitehall Assistant Fire Chief Jim Brooks Jr. died four months after suffering a ruptured aorta while on duty
Discrimination
A federal court will rule whether a Black Kansas City firefighter was fired in retaliation for reporting harassment and discrimination
The new law allows public safety workers who reach 20 years of service within the next two years to retire with a pension, regardless of their age
The bill further protects female firefighters by adding breast cancer and ovarian cancer to the list of qualifying diseases
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
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
Lawyers for the former Huntsville firefighter say he was labeled a “pill popper” after experiencing surgery complications
Investigation
The deputy chief was investigated for use of a racial slur, work schedule discrepancies and retaliation against subordinates
Union
IAFF Local 93 members voted on a resolution of censure citing complaints about safety, equipment, discipline and policy changes
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
Ogdensburg fire union officials objected to the restructure, saying it goes against their collective bargaining agreement
Union
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 city of Ogdensburg is seeking to stop the union from going to an arbitrator over a minimum staffing clause included in its contract
Lawsuit
Brookline Firefighter Gerald Alston was reinstated after filing a complaint saying he was fired for speaking up about workplace discrimination
Staffing
The city tapped into a line of credit in order to exempt public safety workers from the cutbacks, but said additional funding will be needed to prevent future cuts
Firefighters expressed distrust in the validity of the offer, which had not been put in writing
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