Published on July 23, 2021
Unreasonable demands from fire union would cost taxpayers more than $40 million annually
The Unified Government has filed a prohibited practice charge with the Kansas Public Employer-Employee Relations Board against the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 64 union for demanding to the point of an impasse in negotiation changes to their contract for substantially increased staffing, construction of new fire stations and purchase of new fire trucks and ambulances. These demands by the Fire union are not mandatory subjects of collective bargaining. The Fire union’s insistence to the point of an impasse in negotiations upon such non-mandatory subjects of bargaining violates State labor laws.
The IAFF Local 64 managers have demanded the addition of new firefighters and companies which would cost the Unified Government taxpayers more than $40 million dollars annually. This demand would require the City of Kansas City, KS tax rate to double to fulfill their contract without providing any wage increases. “It is unacceptable that the union is making demands at the expense of our current firefighters who are deserving of representation that will work towards a realistic agreement and reasonable compensation,” said County Administrator Doug Bach.
The Unified Government is prepared to negotiate terms that would allow our dedicated firefighters to receive raises now and avoid further delay due to unrealistic demands which our community cannot afford.
The IAFF Local 64 will have seven days to file a written response to the charges and then a hearing will be held. After the hearing, the Board will either dismiss the complaint or determine that a prohibited practice has been committed. If the Board finds that IAFF has committed a prohibited practice, the Board may order the IAFF to re-engage in negotiations in good faith without continuing to insist upon the non-mandatory subject of bargaining.
Media Inquiries: Ashley Z. Hand, AIA, LEED AP BD+C Director, Strategic Communications azhand@wycokck.org (913) 573-5544
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