Reedy Creek Firefighter Union President Says “We Shot Ourselves In The Foot”

The president of the Reedy Creek firefighter union slammed his members for prematurely sharing the terms of their new labor contract in an internal memo.

Walt Disney World’s firefighters had previously agreed to a new labor contract with the Ron DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), after years of being unable to reach an agreement with the Disney-appointed Reedy Creek.

Photo: Orlando Sentinel

The initial agreement was held up by both sides as a testament to the governing power of the new special district, which tried to paint itself as succeeding where Disney could not.

For firefighters, the new three-year contract would have increased their minimum pay to $65,000. It also would have required the department to hire dozens of new firefighters and emergency personnel.

The Agreement Stalls

While the agreement was quickly arrived at last month, ratification of the new deal has been stalled by CFTOD. According to Shirey, this was due to union members who posted the contract on social media. A move, the union leader said put pressure on new district administrator Glen Gilzean.

Photo: Central Florida Urban League

“This contract got into the hands of city and county leaders across the state of Florida,” Shirey wrote. “Glen had been receiving calls left and right yelling at him that he couldn’t sign this agreement. How it was going to screw all of the taxpayers in those areas bc they would have to raise taxes just to be able to recruit and stay even somewhat competitive with the new market.”

When Will A New Deal Be Reached?

With the CFTOD and Reedy Creek firefighters now back at the negotiating table, it is unclear when a new contract could be arrived at. According to Shirey, it could take some time.

Photo Credit: Facebook – Reedy Creek Fire and Rescue Department Emergency Medical Services

“I know it won’t be in June. And we would be lucky to have it done by the July board meeting,” He wrote.

The firefighter union head is hoping that after the next agreement, things stay quiet.

Photo: Also Orlando Sentinel

“If/when we come to some new agreement, don’t share it with your family, your friends, members of other departments, and definitely not randomly out on social media. DO NOT SHARE IT WITH ANYONE!!!!”

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