Cincinnati Firefighters Secure Cancer Leave & pay Parity After Union Action
Cincinnati firefighters have achieved meaningful wins regarding both occupational illness leave and pay equity with the city’s police force, following sustained advocacy by the international Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 48. Recent city council actions address long-standing concerns about firefighters being forced to use personal time off for cancer treatment and a contractual obligation to match police salary increases.
Despite Ohio’s cancer presumption law – designed to support firefighters diagnosed with cancer linked to workplace exposures – Cincinnati firefighters were frequently denied workers’ compensation benefits that would have provided paid leave for treatment and follow-up appointments. Union President Elliott highlighted the challenges faced by members undergoing treatment at facilities like the James Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic, where appointment scheduling is often inflexible. “Our members need to be able to attend these vital appointments without worrying about having enough time off,” he stated.The city has now agreed to provide dedicated leave for cancer treatment, ensuring firefighters can prioritize their health without depleting their personal time off.
The victories also include resolution of a dispute over pay parity with the Cincinnati Police Department. A “me too” clause in the firefighters’ contract mandates that any salary increases negotiated by the police union are mirrored for firefighters. When the police contract included a tiered raise structure – 7% in the first year and 5% in subsequent years for experienced officers,versus 5/4/3% for newer officers – firefighters sought the same terms.
initially, the city offered a uniform 5/4/3% raise across the board. Local 48 filed a complaint, then a lawsuit, which an arbitrator ultimately ruled in favor of, awarding over $12 million to firefighters. The city appealed the decision, prompting Local 48 to consider a motion of no confidence against Mayor Aftab Pureval, the city manager, and the fire chief.
This potential vote of no confidence spurred Mayor Pureval to engage directly with union leadership. Local 48 communicated that resolution required honoring the “me too” clause and guaranteeing cancer treatment leave without impacting firefighters’ personal time.The Mayor agreed to both demands.
“Their effort ensured that our members received the cancer treatment leave they deserve for their service and that the city fulfilled its duty under the ’me too’ clause,” said Mark Sanders, Vice President of the 8th District of the IAFF. “Its a good reminder of the importance of having a strong union.”
