As city leaders weigh a proposed budget that would add 20 new fire fighter positions, Newport News, VA Local 794 President Adrian Manning says the plan represents a turning point in addressing long-standing staffing challenges.
Proposed Staffing Increase
“Three years ago, we had a new mayor get elected, new members of the city council, and a new fire chief all at the same time,” said Manning. “When the new fire chief came in – the first in 20 years to rise through the ranks – he made it known that we had ongoing issues with staffing, building maintenance, and facility conditions that needed to be addressed.”
According to news reports, the city manager proposed a $1.3 billion operating budget that includes funding for 16 fire fighter-medic (or paramedic-only, single-role) positions and four lieutenant roles, along with additional law enforcement positions.
The proposal is also supported by Mayor Phillip Jones. If approved, the staffing increase would help bring the department closer to national standards and reduce the strain on fire fighters.
“It means less wear and tear on our people and our equipment,” said Manning. “It saves our people from having to work so much mandatory overtime, and it shows that our city is investing in our employees’ mental and physical health.”
During his recent State of the City address, Jones announced plans for four new or improved fire stations.
It means less wear and tear on our people and our equipment. It saves our people from having to work so much mandatory overtime, and it shows that our city is investing in our employees’ mental and physical health.
Newport News, VA Local 794 President Adrian Manning
IAFF Support and Next Steps
Manning emphasized that relationship-building was key to reaching this point. “We strongly advocated for our current fire chief because he’s vested in the success of the department,” Manning said. “We’ve built a great working relationship where we can address issues and negotiate outcomes without having to draw a line in the sand.”
Manning said IAFF staff have been key in growing the Local and navigating the political process.
“As a fairly new union leader, they’ve been instrumental in helping me and my board navigate the nuances of leadership and the political side of this role,” he added.
“Organizing and educating your membership is the foundation of political power. When you organize within, your Local rises together,” said Assistant to the General President for Government Affairs and Political Action Chris ‘Blue’ Bartley.
Organizing and educating your membership is the foundation of political power. When you organize within, your Local rises together.
AGP for Government Affairs and Political Action Chris ‘Blue’ Bartley
The City Council recently discussed the proposed budget, and additional public hearings are scheduled before a final vote is expected this summer.
Manning said the Local plans to remain engaged throughout the process.
“We’ll be attending those hearings and supporting the budget as a whole,” he said. “There’s more to running a city than just public safety, but we believe this investment is critical.”
He also noted momentum beyond staffing, including a planned vote on citywide collective bargaining rights this summer, as another sign, he said, of progress driven by collaboration.
