‘We will see resignations’: Atlanta firefighter union says 2025 pay is inadequate

The Atlanta firefighter union is raising alarms about the proposed pay plan for 2025, claiming it is insufficient and could lead to significant resignations within the department. Union president Nate Bailey criticized the city for removing comparisons with four large cities—New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Philadelphia—when calculating the budget, which he says resulted in a $5 million cut to the salary budget for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department. Currently, the department has approximately 860 firefighters, but Bailey asserts that a staff of 1,100 is crucial for maintaining safety standards. He fears that without competitive salaries, current firefighters may seek employment elsewhere, where pay is more attractive. City officials, however, counter that significant investments have been made under Mayor Andre Dickens' administration, including a 15 to 37 percent increase in starting salaries since 2022.

They emphasize their commitment to first responders and the safety of the community. Despite these increases, Bailey maintains that the proposed 2 percent salary increase does not align with market value, which poses safety risks. Firefighters are already facing demanding work hours, often exceeding 48 hours straight, exacerbating concerns about their well-being and operational effectiveness.