Representatives of Atlanta’s firefighting workforce raised staffing concerns, a dues-deduction request for a firefighter organization and allegations that a member was being retaliated against after seeking overdue pay.

Why it matters: Fire department staffing and payroll disputes affect emergency response capacity and labor relations. Allegations of retaliation for seeking owed compensation raise legal and personnel concerns for the city.

What speakers said

- Tyler Nelson, president of Progressive Firefighters of Atlanta, asked the council to approve legislation allowing payroll deduction for his organization. He said Progressive has existed for decades, promotes professional development, and that payroll deduction would help the group administer member services and retain personnel.

- Nate Bailey, president of the Atlanta Professional Firefighters (IAFF affiliate), argued the city must finalize hiring and apparatus purchases to address chronic staffing shortages. He also voiced full support for dues deduction for the Progressive group but warned about legal conflicts if the city recognizes multiple bargaining representatives for firefighters in a way that conflicts with state law.

- Both union leaders raised a separate matter: a member, identified as Shemari (Shamari) Owens in public remarks, sought back pay for years of out-of-class work. Speakers said the member had completed grievance steps, was overdue for payment after a city letter promising payment within 60 days, and now faces disciplinary or dismissal action. Union leaders said they would use all available legal avenues to defend the member and urged the law department to review the case before any dismissal.

Council response and related items

Councilmembers expressed support for hiring improvements and apparatus procurement, and asked law staff to review the procedural and legal implications of dues-deduction ordinances. Multiple councilmembers described the hiring item as a legacy public-safety priority and indicated willingness to monitor implementation.

Ending

Councilmembers asked for additional documentation and legal review; the unions said they would continue to press the city to finalize equipment orders, add staffing and ensure the member is not unfairly disciplined while his compensation claim is unresolved.