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Fire unions press council for cancer testing, second bunker sets, faster apparatus replacement and staffing changes
Summary
Atlanta firefightersrepresentatives asked the Finance Committee to fund recurring cancer screenings, a second set of bunker gear for all sworn members, accelerated apparatus purchases, improved fleet repairs and incentives to boost paramedic staffing, and they urged measures to reduce call volume and fatigue.
The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 134 told the Atlanta City Council Finance Committee on May 20 that firefighters face rising workload and health risks and asked council to back measures in the coming budget to address those problems.
Major requests: IFF Local 134 President Nate Bailey said the union wants recurring cancer screening for all sworn personnel, a second set of bunker gear for every firefighter, accelerated apparatus procurement and higher repair standards. "Cancer testing has to be in the budget," Bailey said, adding that catching cancer early is critical and that turnout gear itself can contribute to carcinogen exposure.
Staffing, workload and wellness: Union leaders described a dramatic increase in calls per unit since 2005, more frequent long shifts and mounting fatigue. They asked the city to explore ways to reduce call volume, consider relief or "Kelly" days that reduce annual hours without harming pension contributions, and pursue options to increase paramedic staffing through incentive pay. "One of the biggest threats is the fleet," Bailey said, characterizing slow apparatus delivery and substandard repairs as risks to response capacity.
Paramedic incentives and pay-plan clarity: The union urged restoring higher paramedic incentive percentages to increase interest in paramedic training and retention, noting that earlier changes had reduced the effective incentive as base pay rose. The firefighters also asked for official published pay scales and clarification so members can calculate pensionable and incentive pay accurately.
Labor training and dispute resolution: Fire union leaders recommended broader labor-management training for supervisors and quicker timelines for disciplinary processes (they suggested 90 days) so prolonged unresolved charges do not create chronic stress for employees.
Administration response and next steps: Finance and council members acknowledged many of the issues are operational and said chief and finance staff will discuss specific budget line items. Deputy CFO Yolanda Carr confirmed some items, such as cancer screening, were included in the mayor's proposed budget; union leaders asked council to protect those line items as deliberations proceed.
Taper: Union leaders asked council to pursue revenue options such as a fire fee and other grants to support sustained investment; they said they will continue to work with administration on implementation details.
