Ron DeSantis and the Disney firefighters union agree on a deal with a 5% wage increase.

Ron DeSantis and the Disney firefighters union agree on a deal with a 5% wage increase.

Central Florida Firefighters and Paramedics Secures New Contract with Wage Increase and Bonuses

In an exciting win for firefighters and paramedics in Central Florida’s Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters’ Association, the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District has unanimously approved a new three-year contract. This agreement, a result of contentious negotiations and longstanding issues, provides great benefits for the dedicated individuals who ensure public safety at the region’s bustling theme park resort.

The contract contains various provisions tailored to address the concerns of the firefighters and paramedics. One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is a 5% increase in wages, translating to a higher starting annual wage of $66,000 for firefighter and paramedics, up from the previous $55,000. Furthermore, the contract offers attractive signing bonuses: $5,000 for employees with three or more years of service and $2,500 for everyone else.

Martin Garcia, the chairman of the oversight district’s board, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We feel this is a fair, generous, and fiscally responsible agreement.” The approval of this contract comes after significant delays, with the previous contract having expired more than four years ago. Operating under such circumstances without a valid agreement posed a potential risk to public safety as Disney World continued to expand.

One of the unique aspects of this situation is the firefighters’ support for the takeover of the Disney World governing board by DeSantis appointees earlier this year. This support, however, was under threat due to a delay in approving the contract. Fortunately, the union and the district were able to resolve their differences and finalize the contract, much to the relief of all parties involved.

The new administrator of the district, Glenton Gilzean, announced that the new budget would include a nearly 7% cut in property taxes. This significant reduction was made possible by identifying cost-saving measures, such as no longer paying overtime for deputies exclusively assigned to patrol Disney property, which had previously cost the district $8 million. These fiscal changes demonstrate a commitment to responsible management and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources.

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The appointment of DeSantis’ representatives to the Disney World governing board followed a prolonged dispute between the company and the Florida governor regarding a law banning certain classroom lessons. The disagreement resulted in DeSantis taking over the district through legislation and forming a new board of supervisors. However, prior to the new board assuming control, the company made agreements with the previous oversight board members, who were Disney supporters. These agreements undermined the authority of the new supervisors over design and construction.

Consequently, Disney filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and the board, alleging violations of free speech rights. In response, the board countered with its own lawsuit, seeking to maintain control over construction and design at Disney World. As the legal battles wage on, both parties have engaged in closed-door discussions to address the ongoing lawsuits.

Governor DeSantis has not shied away from leveraging his disagreement with Disney as part of his political campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. He frequently criticizes the company for being too “woke,” using the feud as a statement of his values and principles.

In conclusion, the approval of the Central Florida firefighters and paramedics’ new three-year contract marks a significant milestone for the Reedy Creek Professional Firefighters’ Association. The wage increase, signing bonuses, and a focus on fiscal responsibility demonstrate the district’s commitment to recognizing the valuable contributions of these brave individuals. As the legal battles between Disney, DeSantis, and the oversight board continue, the firefighters and paramedics can now rest assured that their hard work and dedication are duly rewarded.