The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Is Walking Back Its Firefighter Deal
While the Ron DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) has been broiled in controversy since its creation, the new special district had one legislative victory to hang its hat on- a new labor agreement with Walt Disney World’s fire department.
While Disney and DeSantis continued to fight over control of the district, the CFTOD got an early victory when it agreed to a new labor contract with the Reedy Creek Fire Department, something Disney had been unable to do.
After years of being unable to agree on a new contract with the Disney-controlled district, the CFTOD seemingly made short work of the impasse, with both sides glowingly speaking of the other.
“Almost overnight, a change occurred that we have never experienced — transparency, open dialogue, the ability to sit down and have our issues heard and felt listened to,” Firefighter union leader Jon Shirey said at the time of the agreement. “You have been able to build bridges that were long burned.”
Less than two months after firefighters welcomed the new district with open arms however, things seem to have hit a snag.
Where Is The Deal?
While firefighters overwhelmingly approved the new labor deal, it still had to be ratified by the CFTOD. A vote on the new labor contract was originally targeted for last month. Strangely however, the vote was never brought up, nor was it included on an agenda released for next Wednesday’s meeting.
On top of that, according to the CFTOD, negotiations with firefighters have been reopened.
The labor deal agreed upon, would increase starting pay for firefighters from $55,000 to $65,00. Additionally, it also promised the hiring of three dozen more firefighters and paramedics.
While neither side has explained why negotiations were reopened on a seemingly agreed upon contract, it may have something to do with a recent change in CFTOD leadership.
A Change In Leadership
Last month, District Administrator John Classe, who originally negotiated the contract, was replaced by the board with Glenton Gilzean.
Some have speculated that Gilzean may be looking to show that he is no push over.
“Administrator Gilzean is actively working with the fire department to finalize a deal that offers a competitive compensation package. And gives firefighters the resources they need to protect the public.” Board spokesperson Alexei Woltornist said in an email to The Associated Press.
With DeSantis and Disney set to head to court over the future of the CFTOD, it would behoove the district to get a deal done with firefighters. Reaching and agreement where Disney could not, would at least give the district the apperance of a legal entity.
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