Alabama Fire Fighters Win Fight for Reclassification Pay

October 17, 2007 – The Huntsville City Council unanimously voted in favor of a fire fighter salary reclassification plan. Huntsville, AL local 1833 members were among the lowest paid fire fighters in their region.

The new plan, effective October 22, gives fire fighters on average a 7 percent pay increase and pay parity with police.

“I applaud our City Council for understanding the full ramifications of our wage issue and taking the action it did,” says Mark Thrailkill, president of Local 1833. “The salary reclassification and the pay parity will not only help us recruit talented new fire fighters, but it will also help us keep our best, experienced fire fighters right here in Huntsville.”

Because of low salaries, only 229 candidates submitted applications in 2006, compared to 650 applicants in 2000. In addition, the last few years has seen an alarming trend of experienced fire fighters leaving for other municipalities for better pay.

Thrailkill credits to the ongoing support from the IAFF and 14th District Vice President Danny Todd for the successful outcome.