A “fit for duty” annual physical test appears to be a sticking point in negotiations between The Villages Professional Firefighters IAFF 47 and The Villages District management.
Negotiations on a new contract between the two parties kicked off Wednesday morning in a bargaining session at Rohan Recreation Center.
The two sides, in a friendly and cordial session, discussed a wide range of issues, including boosting starting pay for a firefighter/EMT from $36,000 to $38,000 per year, moving starting pay for firefighter/paramedics from $48,500 to $50,000 and raising the starting pay for lieutenants from $56,000 per year to $60,000.
The District would like to see Villages firefighters undergo a yearly physical test to determine if they are “fit for duty.”
Firefighters currently undergo an in-depth annual physical examination that includes blood work and exercise under the supervision of a medical professional, according to Eric Williamson, secretary of IAFF Local 4770.
The proposed switch to an actual physical test apparently is not popular with firefighters.
“I have heard a lot about this from the guys and they are not very happy,” said Lt. Chris Gruber, a member of the bargaining committee for Villages firefighters.
The next bargaining session is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 30 at Station 44’sEmergency Operations Center at 3035 S. Morse Blvd.
