The St. Johns County Firefighters and Paramedics union said Friday that county officials misrepresented their contract proposal and called for a timely resolution.
In a news release, the union rejected the county’s assertion that it demanded a 33 percent pay increase and 125 new firefighters.
“Firefighters NEVER asked for 33% salary increase to work less hours,” the union said, arguing that only 18 additional firefighters are needed under their current proposal.
The union contended that its conditional offer would reduce the work week from 56 hours to 48 using a standard three-week Kelly schedule.
This system rotates work and rest days to ease fatigue and improve mental and physical health. St. Johns County firefighters have long held that their current schedules are untenably grueling.
The union said firefighters offered to cover part of the cost themselves by accepting slightly lower pay during the schedule changes.
Over half the cost of hiring the 18 additional firefighters would come from the firefighters themselves through the foregoing of 1 million in retroactive pay, Union President Dave Stevens told The Citizen.
“We want to make clear for our community to let you know what we’re asking for,” Stevens said.
In a prior statement, County Administrator Joy Andrews addressed the county’s negotiating posture.
“We remain committed to investing in Fire Rescue in ways that deliver improvements while maintaining fiscal responsibility,” she said.
Health and safety concerns are central to the union’s proposal. Stevens said, highlighting that one-third of St. Johns County firefighters currently seek counseling services.
The union also criticized what it said were recent changes in the county’s offer, saying it reduced the proposed pay increase from 12 percent to 11 percent and rescinded previously offered vacation days.
Stevens said the plan also reduces firefighter overtime, effectively resulting in a 5% pay cut.
Negotiations are scheduled to resume later this month.
