For the first time ever, Hillsborough firefighters, paramedics, battalion chiefs and dispatchers overwhelming rejected proposed contracts hammered out between the county and the International Association of Firefighters Union Local 2294 representing those groups.
The vote wasn’t even close with 68 votes for and 681 votes against.
“This has everything to do with morale in this fire department,” stated Local 2294 President Derrik Ryan.
Firefighters are telling Target 8 the rejection has as much to do with poor morale as it does with what’s in that contract.
The county claims its compensation and benefits package is one of, if not the most, competitive in this geographic area.
The union contends morale within Hillsborough County Fire Rescue is so bad, it’s hired a doctor to conduct a survey of members to find out why.
“We have a serious morale problem under this fire chief and someone at some point is going to have to deal with it,” added Ryan.
The most recent issues involve what Ryan terms “attacks on union leadership.”
Earlier this month, union Vice President Jose “Pep” Prado and Chief Jones got into a loud argument at a charity event.
The county placed the highly popular Prado on administrative leave.
Members are also upset with the county reducing pay steps from what Ryan says were five percent each year, to 3.5 percent.
“The county and the fire chief demanded a lot more stuff taken away in this contract,” explained Ryan.
“From the onset of negotiations, the union was advised that our top priorities included random drug testing and showing up to work for a higher percentage of shifts,” explained Rudy Haidermota of the County Attorney’s Office.
Last year, Target 8 revealed drug tests for Hillsborough firefighters were held only in January and July, making them not so random.
The county insisted on more frequent testing.
“My members are willing and happy to submit to drug testing,” said Ryan.
Derrick Ryan is stepping aside at the end of his term.
“I think the fire chief needs to do some soul searching,” added Ryan. “I believe when the coach loses the locker room, there’s no coming back from that.”
“The county is disappointed that after one year of negotiations, the collective bargaining agreements were not ratified,” added Haidermota. “It is the county’s strong desire to get back to the bargaining table and to work collaboratively with the union to reach an agreement so that we can focus on serving the citizens of Hillsborough County.”
If you know of something that should be investigated, contact our Target 8 Helpline at 1-800-338-0808.
Contact Steve Andrews at sandrews@wfla.com.
