The negotiations related to the Tallahassee firefighter union contract for years 2025-27, which appeared to be moving towards a quick resolution, have hit a snag.
It was reported that a deal was worked out last week which both negotiating teams looked upon favorably. The negotiated terms included 3% to 10.5% raises for union members based on rank according to Fire Chief Gene Sanders, who is representing the city in the contract talks.
The proposed agreement included a 10.5% pay raise for first year fighters and a 7% raise for first year engineers.
Reports indicate a poll of the Tallahassee Professional Firefighters union was taken over the weekend with 190 members participating.
However, on Monday, the union refused to release the results of the poll. Instead, the union negotiators said the poll was close and made a counteroffer seeking more concessions from the city.
Union negotiators added that not revealing the results of the poll “is to our advantage.”
Later Monday, City Manager Reese Goad released a statement that said, “Every indication is that the Firefighters want to approve the offer. The voices of the Firefighters should be heard. Please let them vote today.”
Union president Joey Davis said members need more concessions from the city and “will return to the table on the 19th and look forward to working with their team toward a final agreement.”
City Proposes 10.5% Raise for Starting Firefighters, Union Wants More added by Steve Stewart on
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62k up to100k for starting out TPD with police experience let’s not forget a take home vehicle and a 12% pension. Most firefighters do not make 70k that’s hog wash locally. You also fail to realize if there an LCEMS unit going to a medical call. TFD is going also. TFD expanded Advanced Life Support a few years back to the entire City limits. That means TFD carries the same equipment to provide medical care as the ambulance. You are more than welcome to stop by any of the 16 fire stations throughout the city and speak to any of your local firefighters and paramedics if you have any questions. They also go to hazmat calls, car wrecks, gas leaks, water leaks, medical calls, lift assists, regional urban search and rescue team and hazmat for 16 surrounding counties , water rescues, wild land, and structures fires. If you want to recruit and retain the best because one day you will need a firefighter or paramedic it’s a matter of when you want the best of the best for you or your loved one.
We should ever compare Police salary to Fire salary. They are very different jobs, provide different services, work different hours. Both jobs are dangerous, but our Police are far more active and responsive to the citizens. Rarely see a fire truck riding through our neighborhoods. Go by a fire station at night but be quiet the TFD are sleeping.
Most firefighters make over $70k now, they start at $47. $77k and $52k (and better pension) are comparable to other first responders (despite significant differences between what law enforcement, EMTs, and firefighters are asked to do).
Joey Davis and Jeremy Matlow are now in the mood to tank a deal on the backs of firefighters to try to save Dot Inman politically, dragging this out longer and longer. Mismanaged negotiation, forgetting retroactive requests, failed results with judges. Firefighters want change.
I wish I could get a 10% raise.
Most cops are making over $80k now, they start at $60k. Fire should get a comparable deal at least
City is now in the mood to make a deal to try to save Curtis Richardson politically but it’s too little too late. Tax increase unpopular up North, bad abortion votes hurt him with Democrats. People want change
Everyone involved in the negotiations need to be put in a Room and made to figure this out before they can leave. This is too important to keep playing these Games, GET IT DONE.
The city commission gave themselves a 100% raise… That is a fact.
Another fact; the firefighters endorsed Jack Porter, so I hope they get bupkis.