MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Members of the Morgantown Fire Department expressed concern over pay, benefits and the relationship with the city administration during Morgantown City Council’s regular meeting this week.
President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 313 Mitchell Bell said over his 10 years of employment the benefit package continues to shrink.
“I know when I had something the day before and you take it away and you say you’re getting a great deal- I think that’s a real hard pill to swallow,” Bell said.
Bell met City Manager Kim Haws for the first when he started in Morgantown about two years ago. Bell said Haws made it clear Bell was not representing a professional organization.
“He didn’t recognize us as a union- I represent Mitchell Bell personally, not a union because we don’t have a contract with the city and that’s really frustrating to hear and sad, because I think city council recognizes us,” Bell said.
According to Bell, the city administration has not helped union members. The lack of communication and willingness to work with employees is beginning to negatively impact department morale.
“A gentleman was shorted $277 on his paycheck a week ago, we reach out and no response,” Bell said. “Now, that individual has turned in his two week notice – a paramedic that’s provided service to this city and saved lives in this city.”
Morgantown Fire Department Capt. Gary Freshour told council members promotions to leadership positions in the fire service are based on tests that pulled from management books.
“Those books weigh heavily in management and supervisory practices and no where in there does it say it’s my way or the highway,” Freshour said. “They actually say the employees are the backbone of any department or organization.”
Firefighters still claim the holiday pay issue is not completely solved with the city. complained members of his squad were not being paid properly for holidays.
“If you correct the holiday issue there’s no harm no foul,” Freshour said. “But, if guys continue to get shorter paychecks than they deserve it’s devilish.”
“We’re in a bumpy spot in the road and we need to work it out,” Mayor Jenny Selin told firefighters.
Councilors Brian Butcher and Bill Kawecki thanked firefighters for their service and told them “they needed to be heard.”
“We will eventually end up being and continue to be an employer of choice,” Kawecki said. “I hope that offers some sort of momentum to how we can proceed.”