Hialeah’s firefighters have formally rejected a two-year contract proposal from the city, describing the offer as a “slap in the face” that fails to address a deepening staffing crisis. The union representing the department argues that the proposed 12% salary increase is inadequate and leaves them at a significant financial disadvantage compared to neighboring emergency service agencies.
The city’s offer, presented by Chief of Staff José Torres, includes a 6% cost-of-living adjustment this October, followed by another 6% increase the following year. This proposal stands in stark contrast to a recent, more lucrative contract secured by the Hialeah Police Department, which guarantees cumulative raises of approximately 25% to 30% over three years. The disparity has fueled frustration among fire personnel, who contend that the city is failing to prioritize their department’s retention needs.
A Growing Retention Crisis
Union leadership highlighted that the department is struggling to retain trained personnel, noting that 65 of the 149 firefighters hired since 2018 have already left for other agencies. Union president Eric Johnson warned that the city is effectively losing its investment in recruitment and training, as new hires frequently depart once they compare their compensation packages to those offered by surrounding jurisdictions. Currently, the department operates with approximately 226 firefighters, down from over 300 in 2007, despite handling more than 31,000 emergency calls annually.
The staffing shortage has forced the department to operate essential units, such as ladder trucks and rescue vehicles, with three-person crews instead of the four-person standard recommended by national fire service organizations. During negotiations, union vice president Michael Bello argued that the city’s proposal does not make Hialeah competitive with departments in Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, or the broader Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. According to union data, a Hialeah lieutenant with a decade of experience earns significantly less than counterparts in these neighboring departments, with some gaps exceeding $70,000 annually.
Negotiations and Future Outlook
While the city’s proposal includes a temporary pension adjustment—allowing firefighters with 20 years of service to access a deferred retirement option—the union maintains that this does not compensate for the base salary deficiencies. Furthermore, the union has raised concerns regarding healthcare coverage, specifically citing the financial burden faced by members currently on leave due to cancer.
As the current contract is set to expire on September 30, union leaders have signaled that if the city does not offer a more competitive package, they may be forced to explore more drastic measures, including the possibility of a merger with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. City officials have maintained that their offer is based on a comparative analysis of regional departments, though they have faced criticism from union members who question the methodology behind those findings. Negotiations remain ongoing, with the city expected to present a revised proposal in the coming weeks.
