LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Negotiations continue after the Louisville firefighters union voted against a five-year contract with the city which included a 24% pay raise.
Mayor Craig Greenberg's office said it's the largest proposed single pay raise in the department's history. These negotiations are still on the table as the department begins their recruitment process of new men and women.
Members of Louisville Professional Firefighters Local 54 said the increase is suitable, but they're concerned about the 5-year term. Specifically, their uncertainty of the local market and cost of living within the next few years.
President of the union Jeff Taylor said the concern ultimately swayed members votes with 51% declining the proposed contract, and 49% agreeing to its terms.
"The body is 500 people and a majority of the body has said we appreciate this offer that the mayor has made, but it needs to be incrementally better," Taylor said.
The mayor had proposed the pay increase would be based on salary only. The union wants the percentage to apply to the additional pay based on their time of service as well.
"We have an interest in doing that, our membership has an interest in doing that, and we hope the mayor's office has an interest in doing that," Taylor said.
He also mentioned how they are also looking out for future recruits.
Captain Donovan Sims with the Louisville Fire Department has seen a decrease of applicants throughout the years.
"When I got on just over 11 years ago we were roughly around 2,000 applicants," Sims said. "I think the last process held around 800 applicants."
Sims mentioned that the department created a recruitment video a few months ago as a way to showcase their training, and entice more people to apply and possibly become a part of their team.
"While you're in that academy you're getting full time pay," Sims said. "You're getting paid at a great pay rate. You're not coming in here and putting in a lot of work and not reaping the benefit."
The academy is a 26-week long course where recruits obtain an EMT certificate and more, but it's the new comers future Taylor said the union is fighting for.
"My pension verses the new hire's pension is significantly different and that I think for the most part is having an impact on our ability to attract and retain people on these public service jobs," Taylor said.
Taylor also mentioned that the current extension with the city will expire at the end of June and if no agreement is met they expect to sign another extension.
In a statement Greenberg's office said it "hoped to reward the heroes of the Louisville Fire Department" with the pay increase.
"We're disappointed the proposal has not been accepted. We must now prioritize the eleven other expiring union contracts and will revisit the firefighters' contract as soon as possible," the statement continued.
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