From Staff Reports
In a significant development for the Apopka Fire Department, the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association (APFA) and the City of Apopka reached a tentative contract agreement in a negotiation that began over 18 months ago.
"We are happy that the city has finally agreed to bring our wages and benefits toward a competitive range with our local area," said APFA President Alex Klepper. "We are thankful to the residents and taxpayers of Apopka for their support throughout this period and for the commissioners who have heard our case."
The highlights of the deal 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%
Once fully detailed, the contract will be presented to AFPA members for final ratification.
"The barging session after months of negotiations came to a close today," said Apopka City Commissioner Alexander Smith, who attended the final negotiations. "The Firefighters Union and the City came to an agreement with a contract. It took some give and take from both parties. We love our Firefighters and appreciate their commitment to their chosen careers and the services they provide to the residents of Apopka."
"I am pleased to see that the City of Apopka has finally accepted a contract with the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association, whose members serve the City of Apopka valiantly daily," said Commissioner Nick Nesta, who was also present at the meeting. "Although there are many additional areas in the contract that need improvement, for now this contract lays a strong foundation moving forward and not backwards for our Fire Department to be able to retain and attract talented, impassioned firefighters for our community."
"Earlier today, I attended the negotiation meeting re: the proposed Apopka Fire Fighter Union Contract," said Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez. "The audience in attendance included Firefighters, local residents, and city staff representatives. The discussions between the Labor Attorney representing the City of Apopka and the Professional Fire Fighters Union Attorney and Representatives were educational and knowledgeable, as we all listened to the Firefighter's Representatives present their side, and the Labor Attorney representing the City present the City’s side. This has been a long process, with presentations and meetings. At this negotiation meeting, both parties agreed to secure a contract for the Professional Fire Fighters Union. I think the City of Apopka and the Professional Fire Fighters Union will benefit from this agreement."
Jacob Smith, who started as the Apopka City Administrator in June, was a latecomer to the negotiations but was impressed with the teamwork that ultimately closed the deal. The first meeting between the two parties took place on February 15th, 2023.
"I am grateful for everyone who came together to negotiate better terms for one of our favorite groups of city employees – our firefighters," Smith said. "All credit goes to our City Council, Mayor, Union Reps, the attorneys, and all the city staff involved in doing their part. Nice job, team!"
This is a breaking and developing story, which The Apopka Voice will update in future editions.
