Firefighters’ union presses council on staffing and collective bargaining; council asks manager for fourth‑shift feasibility

The president of Local 539, which represents Portsmouth firefighters, paramedics and dispatchers, urged City Council on July 14 to act on staffing and a step‑plan the union says needs correction.

Tiffany Stewart told the council that members are "frustrated and confused" by the new step plan, which links compensation to training hours and ISO ratings. She said the city moved funds in a single meeting to cover payroll, which demonstrates money can be found when priorities shift, and argued that training that benefits the community (and reduces insurance costs) should be reflected in pay. Stewart said the city has previously lost lawsuits over overtime and is now pursuing a federal SAFER grant to address staffing gaps. She cited OSHA citations and injuries that, she said, stem from insufficient staffing standards.

Stewart asked council to place an ordinance on a public agenda within 60 days (no later than the Sept. 8 meeting) to finish the collective bargaining work the body began in 2023.

Following public comment, Councilman Tillage asked the City Manager to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a fourth firefighter shift and requested a report by Sept. 8 covering financial and staffing implications. Vice Mayor Moody and others stressed the need to follow OSHA guidance and to consider the city’s single‑apparatus stations when evaluating staffing solutions. The council did not adopt an ordinance that night but directed staff to analyze options and return with recommendations.