Neighbor News
West Palm Beach Firefighters Sound the Alarm
Frontline workers go more than 100 days without a contract
West Palm Beach, FL – After a year of standing on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic and more than 100 days without a contract, your firefighters are sounding the alarm. Here's what you need to know and how you can help. wpbfirefighters.com
Every day West Palm Beach Firefighter/Paramedics risk it all to keep you and your family safe. City Administration is now spending your tax dollars on attorneys rather than public safety by forcing your firefighter/paramedics into the courtroom to fight for competitive wages.
- Firefighters proactively began contract negotiations one year ago and have met over a dozen times with the City Administration's negotiating team, including the Mayor, and still no agreement.
- Both sides agreed that the goal of negotiations was to provide your firefighter/paramedics with fair and competitive wages. This was determined by data presented and agreed on by the City.
- Firefighters made multiple proposals that would move West Palm Beach Firefighter/Paramedics closer to the goal. Conversely, the City only presented a single proposal before declaring an impasse. Their proposal would have caused wages to fall further in competitiveness.
- With no contract, your firefighter/paramedics have continued to serve the community all the while uncertain about their future. Many are now forced to consider starting their career over at other, nearby, departments or leaving the profession they love altogether.
- We've met with the City's elected and appointed officials many times during the last year but now we need your voice. This is your community and your fire department. Here are three simple ways you can stand with your West Palm Beach Firefighters/Paramedic.
- Contact City Hall
- Share our message on Social Media with #SUPPORTFIREFIGHTERS
- Request a support yard sign by visiting wpbfirefighters.com
- The City “balanced” a budget without the largest part of the budget being solidified.
- Let us learn from our neighbors. In 2011 our union President, Jayson E. French, warned the Town of Palm Beach of the repercussions of not being a competitive Fire Department. In 2018, Town of Palm Beach Mayor Coniglio stated, “I think we have fallen below town expectations,” Coniglio said. “We are, as predicted, becoming a training ground.” He is now again making the same warning to the West Palm Beach City Administration.