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Ashland approves contract with Firefighters Local 706, adds annual cancer screening provision
Summary
The City of Ashland voted to approve a negotiated agreement with Ashland City Firefighters Local 706 that the commission and union leaders described as unanimously supported by membership and including a new annual cancer screening benefit reflecting Kentucky statutory recognition of occupational exposure risks.
The City of Ashland approved an agreement between the city and Ashland City Firefighters Local 706, the union representing the city’s firefighters. Commissioners praised the negotiated contract and thanked negotiators and staff for their work.
City officials said the contract includes health‑benefit provisions intended for early detection, including an annual cancer screening for firefighters. Commissioners noted that Kentucky Revised Statutes recognizes occupational exposure and cancer risks for firefighters; the screening program was described as a preventative measure for membership health.
City leaders publicly thanked Chief Veil, negotiators including Mr. Carr and city staff (including Andrew Wheeler), and the Local 706 membership. Commissioners and staff said rank‑and‑file members voted unanimously to approve the contract before the commission’s formal action.
The commission approved the ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute the agreement in open session. Commissioners described the negotiation as cooperative and said the new medical screening benefit was a major accomplishment expected to benefit the workforce and could reduce long‑term insurance and health costs for the city through early detection.
Background and context: City staff and commissioners said the inclusion of annual cancer screening aligns with the state’s recognition of firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens. The commission also thanked the union and staff for reaching agreement and noted that the city’s self‑insurance and health plan administration would continue to be managed under existing arrangements.
