Reedy Creek Firefighters Have Still Not Been Paid Their Stipends
Just days after the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) administrator Glen Gilzean bragged that employee morale was at an all-time high, unionized firefighters revealed that they have yet to receive the cash stipends promised.
The stipends were touted by district officials as an improvement over the Disney-related benefits that firefighters had previously received.
After immense backlash from employees over the loss of their Walt Disney World Annual Passes and other Disney-related benefits, CFTOD board members agreed to increase the stipend to $3,000.
According to the president of the Reedy Creek firefighters Jon Shirey, however, that benefit remains unpaid.
“We have had one bargaining session over the stipend, but it went nowhere,” he said.
The CFTOD Responds
The district, which approved the stipend a their meeting in September, says that current contract negotiations are still underway.
“Under the current contract, the district cannot provide additional benefits without renegotiating the contract,” said Alexei Woltornist, a district spokesman. “Contract negotiations are currently underway, and we cannot comment further at this time.”
Firefighters Are Not Getting Promised Benefits
Union officials estimated the value of the Disney benefits at least $5,000. The program reportedly covered theme park entry for employees, their spouses, and up to three guests. It also gave district employees discounts on restaurants and hotels.
When bragging about the accomplishments of the CFTOD, Gilzean also stated that employees would be given two additional paid holidays- Veterans Day and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
As it turns out, Reedy Creek firefighters will not be eligible for those bonus-paid holidays, as all paid time off is subject to bargaining.
Reedy Creek Firefighters Had Supported DeSantis
The Reedy Creek firefighters had been some of Ron DeSantis’ staunchest allies. The union endorsed the Flordia governor for re-election and welcomed the state takeover of the former Reedy Creek Improvement District.
Since the establishment of the CFTOD, however, GIlzean and the new board have managed to alienate the firefighters.
Now, while publically bragging about employee morale, they are short-changing the firefighters once again. Just give the firemen their benefits.
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