ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – Marietta Fire Department and metropolis council are within the ‘hot seat,’ in line with firefighters who demand oversight on a brand new pay scale. City personnel claims the brand new scale provides little wage fairness among the many ranks.

“I worked at the fire department putting my life on the line, putting my future health on the line with all the chemicals we get exposed to as a firefighter,” paused Ron Presley. “And I finished my career making $18.40 an hour, that just seems a little low.”

For 20 years in Marietta, Presley fought fires. But after retiring this March, he says there’s nonetheless another to place out.

“This new pay study,” he mentioned.

Although now not a metropolis worker, he together with different retired employees informed CBS46, and likewise mentioned in Wednesday night time’s council assembly, that they’re standing within the hole for present firefighters afraid of retaliation.

“There is no explanation of how the salaries are calculated. There’s no objective formula or chart or spreadsheet,” a retiree claimed throughout the public remark portion.

Another mentioned, “We sit up here and talk and talk and talk about public safety getting paid adequately.” Adding, “you want the best, pay for the best.”

Retirees like Presley allege as a result of hiring incentives and up to date pay bumps, new hires find yourself making greater than senior suppression personnel.

Current workers declare as a result of there is no such thing as a pay scale oversight, there is no such thing as a fairness in pay rating.

“Say this guy has been here 10 years and this guy has been here for 5 years, the 10-year guy should make more if everything is equal as far as their training certifications, and that’s just not happening,” alleged Presley.

CBS46 talked to a number of different present firefighters who wished to stay nameless, they echoed Presley’s feedback. But town disagrees.

A metropolis spokesperson despatched us the next assertion:

“City Staff brought a pay study to City Council this year which was approved this spring and went into effect May 1st. These changes to our employees’ compensation, which totaled $2.1 million, are the largest salary increases in the City in the last 20 years. Take home pay for City employees is, on average, higher than other local governments in the metro area. Over the last 24 months, certified fire personnel have received an average 12% pay increase. Included in this 12%, is an average 6% increase they received two months ago, on May 1st.

The salary study was conducted by outside consultants. The City took the recommendations from the consultants and added another 3% increase to all eligible city employees. As of May 1st, starting pay for our Fire and Police departments increased over 9%, thus employees received a higher increase than the consultant recommended. Additionally, a separate pay plan was put into place for Public Safety in May which definitively shows starting salaries for each grade. However, the City has utilized pay plans with pay grades for over 30 years.”

As far as claims of any extra pay raises, town spokesperson added:

“Our firefighters receive incentive pay for additional qualifications, training, and certifications. An example of this would be a firefighter who is a certified paramedic receiving an increase in their salary for the paramedic certification. Adding to that, the City will pay for their certification as well, thus we pay for their training and then fund a higher salary once the certification is received. All firefighters are eligible to participate in the incentive program. Those firefighters who decline to participate do not receive the additional incentive pay increases on top of the annual increase given over the last 10 years.”

Meanwhile, CBS46 known as a number of metropolis council members who didn’t conform to an interview however mentioned they’re wanting into the numbers and can speak with town’s authorized division.

Current firefighters say they are going to be on the subsequent metropolis council assembly searching for motion.

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