Labor and Union Issues
Despite assurances the South Tucson FD would remain, memos show Rural Metro will begin staffing Feb. 1 and nearly 30 firefighters were told their contracts end Jan. 31
Pasco County leaders say the move will improve recovery time, mental wellness and work-life balance, while supporting recruitment and retention as overtime hours trend down
Lorain County leaders say the formal recognition will boost access to mental-health resources, training and protections
Firefighter union and civic leaders demanded halts to battery-energy storage systems near homes and firehouses, citing safety and response concerns
The $90 million, four-year agreement adds longevity step raises and streamlines paid details, changes city and union leaders say will support retention and strengthen operations
After more than a decade of joint rescues and wildfire response, Bernalillo County firefighters were ousted from the Metro Air Support Unit following a policy change allowing off-duty cannabis use
Once plagued by “a staffing nightmare” Carroll County Fire and EMS now maintains full coverage through strategic planning, paid staffing models and firefighter support
A new analysis recommends hiring more firefighters and rethinking cross-staffing practices at the Anne Arundel County Fire Department
A newly updated policy will allow Howard County firefighters to use medical cannabis while off duty in 2026, with safeguards in place to address safety, testing and fitness for duty
How a structured collaboration model, anchored by an annual retreat, reshaped relationships and improved organizational performance
Four more Harvey firefighters were laid off, leaving the department operating at less than half its former strength
The union representing New York City firefighters is calling for a full investigation after officials uncovered documents on Ground Zero health hazards that the city had long claimed did not exist
A proposed move from a 24/48 to a 24/72 schedule is gaining momentum after more than 86% of surveyed Lubbock residents backed the change
Union leaders and Bethlehem residents are urging officials to add firefighters after an IAFF study found staffing below NFPA recommendations and response times short of national benchmarks
Chronic understaffing left only one engine available when a massive fire destroyed two Amherst apartment buildings, causing heavy reliance on mutual aid
Orlando’s new contract includes 10% COLA this year and protects 48-hour schedules despite the city’s push for 42-hour cap
After Fort Worth Chief Jim Davis resigned, his lawyer argued the firefighters’ union impeded safety fixes by resisting a NIOSH review
President Freddy Escobar alleges Mayor Karen Bass retaliated after he publicly said LAFD was underfunded during January’s Palisades fire
Facing more than $100 million in debt, Harvey will place employees, including firefighters, on unpaid leave and temporarily shutter at least one fire station
Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis steps down after being placed on administrative leave amid firefighter union concerns over the MedStar merger and ambulance duty requirements
A proposal would require four-person crews, though the department says coverage is adequate and meeting the standard could mean overtime
An internal probe found the Waterbury recruits used phones and computers during the proctored test
An Orlando Fire Department EMT was fired after a months-long investigation into a 34-second video clip where made a comment about women’s voting rights
Plano Fire-Rescue becomes the first in the state to use a 24-hour-on, 72-hour-off shift schedule for its firefighters
Fort Wayne’s mayor says the union’s social posts about FD leadership fuel anger, pointing to threats from commenters — including a noose image — aimed at Chief Eric Lahey
A Muslim civil rights group alleges the Baltimore Fire Department denied religious accommodation, selectively enforced its grooming policy and suspended him without offering a respirator fit test
The appeals court agreed Snohomish Regional Fire and Rescue faced undue hardship if it excused the unvaccinated crew members, citing safety, staffing and operational risks during the pandemic
Lab finds high PFAS in Quincy’s “PFAS-free” turnout as IAFF urges independent checks
Lake County officials said the change will cut the average workweek to 42 hours and boost health, morale and staffing
MOST POPULAR
- Texas FD makes history in move to 24/72 shift schedule
- Complaint filed over beard policy after Baltimore paramedic suspended
- N.H. fire chief resigns after refusing to risk firefighter safety over budget
- Mass. FD’s ‘PFAS-free’ gear fails lab test, shows high toxic levels
- Mo. officials reject nearly $1M settlement in fatal fire truck crash