Brothers and Sisters,
You asked for more virtual updates and we heard you. We are expanding how we use our communication channels to keep information timely, consistent, and accessible.
NEW VIDEO COMMUNICATION
Attached is a short video review of the proposed CBA changes. This is not a full education session, as those have already been conducted. The purpose is to refresh the specific items that were changing in the CBA prior to completing the survey.
CBA SURVEY – Your Feedback Matters
A survey will be sent asking you to identify the top three reasons you voted NO on the proposed CBA, ranked by importance (#1 being most critical). This is intended to identify which existing items, if changed, would result in a YES vote. It is not about adding new items. Voting will end THIS SATURDAY 2/14 at 1800 (6pm). This has to be done quickly in order to move forward ASAP! Please only vote once. Anyone attempting to vote twice will have both responses discarded. (we can see tell)
TAX SEASON – Overtime Information
As we enter tax season, attached for reference is IAFF guidance regarding the federal overtime tax deduction under H.R. 1. This may allow eligible members to deduct a portion of qualifying overtime earnings when filing their 2025 federal tax return. Members should consult a tax professional regarding individual circumstances.
RUMOR CONTROL & BIDS
We are aware of questions and rumors circulating regarding bids. Fire Administration and the Union are working together on this initiative. I want to be clear – the Fire Chief has been a strong advocate for communication, coordination, and cohesiveness, and verified information will be shared through official channels as it becomes available.
UNION MEETING
Our regular union meeting is held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be Thursday, February 19 at 9:00 AM.
FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS – Legislative Conference Update
Florida Professional Firefighters – Legislative Conference Update
I attended the Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) Legislative Conference alongside Treasurer Sanchez, FF Divers, and FPOIII Jason Douglas. Two primary legislative priorities are currently on the state agenda:
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for the Florida Retirement System (FRS)
- Fixing and closing loopholes in the Firefighter Cancer Presumptive Bill
We met with our local representatives and senators to advocate for these items. In addition, we met with local city officials and leaders, including city management and commission members, to discuss concerns related to potential tax reform and its possible negative impacts on our city and services.
We’d like to thank Brother Divers and Brother Douglas for taking time off from their lives to attend the conference, and getting involved with Union Issues. And a special thanks to Brother Divers for taking the time to shoot and edit the video. Solid work!
By the way….if there are any other individuals interested in taking union classes or potentially being involved in the union E-board please email an E-board member