From Staff Reports
After voting in favor last week, the APFA released the following statement on its Facebook page.:
"Today marks a historic milestone in the long history of the Apopka Fire Department. Over the past two days, your Apopka Firefighters have cast their votes and officially fulfilled their part in ratifying the first-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement for the Apopka Fire Department since its founding in 1882."
The highlights of the contract include:
- Pay ranges increase:
Firefighter: 50,960 - $85,605
Engineer: $59,369 - $93,726
Lieutenant: $64,866 - $102,658
- Paramedic pay: $4/hr
Ambulance incentive: $1/hr
Inspector/Instructor/FTO/SHOT incentive pay
- Training allotment $1,200/year
- 14-day pay cycle
- Working out of class pay
- Nine paid Holidays
- Pension contributions decreased from 9.3% to 8%, with medical disability increased from 2.4% to 3.6%
Interim Apopka Fire Chief Wil Sanchez was pleased that the contract was approved.
"Last night, the Apopka Fire Department's first contract was approved and ratified, beginning a new chapter in its history. The council's decision shows the value of what our men and women provide to the citizens every day. This will allow us to move forward so that we can recruit and retain qualified firefighters and paramedics."
Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez was also happy to see the long process concluded.
"Congratulations to Apopka Firefighters," Velazquez said. "It was a long process of negotiations. This was not a one-sided issue. The council worked collaboratively with the President of Apopka Firefighters to learn and understand their needs. The council worked with the Attorney representing the City. There were plenty of negotiations throughout the process. Arriving at this juncture where the rank and file have Voted in Favor of the Union Contract is a success for everyone involved."
