The city of Tallahassee has accepted the recommendations of a special magistrate tasked with finding middle ground between the local firefighters’ union and the Tallahassee City Commission.
The firefighters’ union wasn’t so quick to decide.
The two sides have been sparring over the firefighters’ salaries and benefits. The firefighters began bargaining with the city more than a year ago and have met more than 20 times with the city's negotiating team without reaching an agreement.
Special Magistrate Christopher M. Shulman, who conducted a hearing between the sides on March 27, split the difference on a raise for the entry-level firefighters. The union had wanted a 6 percent raise, the city a 4 percent raise. Shulman recommended a 5 percent raise. Since the Tallahassee Fire Department promotes from within, both sides were most concerned with attracting new employees.
Otherwise, Shulman primarily recommended reductions in the lowest-ranking TFD pension contributions.
The city is ready to move ahead.
“The city appreciates the magistrate’s work and is thankful for his great recommendations," Alison Faris, a spokesperson for the city, said in a statement. "We don’t have any objections and will implement the recommendations with the fire union’s acceptance.”
But the firefighters’ union is still in discussion. Union president Joey Davis says they'll be polling the members Tuesday and putting out a statement. Whether they accept the special magistrate’s recommendations or not, the final decision is up to the city commission, which meets Wednesday.
