Walt Disney World First Responders Ratify New Labor Contract
Walt Disney World’s first responders have a approved a three-year labor deal.
On Friday, 80% of the Reedy Creek Fire Department’s 185 staff members agreed to the new deal.
Photo: Reedy Creek Fire Department
As part of the new labor contract, firefighters will see a significant bump in pay, the fire department will hire more employees, and there will be significant investment in addressing safety concerns.
“Securing the vote favorably by those kind of margins is a testament to the work that’s gone into this contract,” he said. “It’s been in the works for nearly four-and-a-half years, so today certainly feels like a relief, but more still has to occur, so we’re cautiously optimistic.”
Photo:Fox Business
A Win For The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District
Negotiations for a new labor deal actually began under the Reedy Creek Improvement District. For years however, the two sides were unable to reach a new agreement.
Things changed however, when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis dissolved the special district, replacing it with the state appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Photo: The Business Journal
As political controversy surrounded the new district, the CFTOD was able to quickly come to a new agreement with the Reedy Creek Fire Department.
“There’s a lot of controversy going on, everyone has made it about politics,” Shirey said. “All I can say is the district is truly evaluating everything and trying to make it better … We have nothing but positive things to say.”
Credit: Photo by Ringo H W Chiu/AP/REX/Shutterstock (9972601w)
Plagued By Labor Shortages
The Reedy Creek Fire Department has struggled with staffing shortages for years, and has raised concerns about their ability to efficiently protect Walt Disney World guests.
The department has increasingly had to rely on outside agencies to respond to incidents on Disney’s property.
Photo: Greg Angel/Spectrum News 13
Under the new labor contract, the department will add 25 firefighters and 12 paramedics within the first year. The contract will also enhance the EMS transportation system, and add two fire rescue vehicles and two EMS ambulances.
“A Really Great Contract”
In an effort to boost recruiting, the new contract will increase firefighter and paramedic starting pay to $65,000.
Photo: reedycreek.org
“This contract is going to show that both sides gave a little,” Shirey said. “It is ultimately a really great contract.”
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