Brothers and Sisters,

This week, we met with the County and the Department once again to address the issues affecting Plan C members and work toward crafting a fourth year of our contract. We made incremental progress, but two issues arose that we will need to address directly with the CEO, the Board of Supervisors, and the Fire Chief.

First, the Department presented Olympic staffing issues that it wants tied to a fourth contract year. In response, we raised the pay and benefits issues that must accompany any discussion about additional staffing demands. In our opinion, it is late in the process to introduce new fourth-year proposals when the Department and the County have known about the desire for, and discussions surrounding, a fourth year for more than a year. Nevertheless, we will address these proposal items rapidly.

Additionally, we continue to receive “bad math” from the County while receiving “good math” from the Fire Department team. We have verified and aligned with the Department’s calculations regarding the cost of our proposals. This is critical because we are dealing with hundreds of millions of dollars over the life of the contract, with many of those costs continuing for years.

Agreeing on the numbers is one of the fundamental principles of bargaining. “Ability to pay” is also a legal issue that can be determined through fact-finding and mediation processes through ERCOM. We asked directly whether the Department or the County was declaring an inability to pay. If so, we were prepared to convene the mediator and address it immediately. As we expected, both the County and the Department confirmed that they are not making an inability-to-pay argument.

We will now work with the County to reconcile its numbers with those of the Department and our team. We will also stop any attempt to use “political numbers” to slow progress or undermine an agreement that may be taking shape.

All issues at the table are also now before the “Fire Commissioners,” who happen to be the five members of the Board of Supervisors. We will return to the table with verified numbers as we get down to the brass tacks of COLAs, a four-year agreement, and Plan C improvements. The value and cost of these items are what will ultimately shape the deal.

The remaining factors are support from the Board of Supervisors and the Fire Chief. Our meetings with the Fire Chief over the next two weeks should make clear where he stands regarding support for the field and our proposals. These will be important weeks that may indicate whether a finish is within reach. We have been working tirelessly toward that goal alongside our public safety union partners.

While the Sheriff’s unions have their own unit-specific issues to address, we continue to move together on COLAs and general salary increases. LACoLA, representing the County’s lifeguards, is not only part of our public safety union partnership but is also closely aligned with many of our unit issues, some of which are identical to ours.

Once again, thank you for your patience. Stay strong. There is no magic wand or easy path to finishing these negotiations. We must continue to hold the line, lobby, and use political action to secure what our members deserve, including meaningful improvements for our Plan C members.

Many neighboring agencies have secured very good contracts in recent days and weeks. While their total compensation packages remain a fair distance behind ours, we applaud their success. Their progress helps our cause, just as our progress helps theirs.

We are now heading to the Fire Chief’s office to hear his perspective on the proposals and our members. We will update you following those discussions.

Local 1014 participated in a busy week of statewide endorsement interviews alongside our brothers and sisters from firefighter unions across California, including Orange County, Los Angeles City, Long Beach, Anaheim, Redondo Beach, Santa Monica and Torrance.

These interviews are a critical part of building and maintaining strong relationships with state leaders who understand the needs of firefighters, paramedics and public safety professionals. Political action at the state level directly affects our ability to advance and protect important priorities, including workers’ compensation protections, binding arbitration, fire-based emergency medical services and pension reform.

By working together with firefighter unions throughout California, we strengthen our collective voice and ensure that the issues affecting our members remain a priority in Sacramento.

Local 1014 thanks California Professional Firefighters political director Evan McLaughlin for his continued hard work and leadership to help ensure that Local 1014 and our union partners remain among the strongest and most effective political voices in California.

This week's Los Angeles County Fire Museum Retiree Luncheon was an overwhelming success, with more than 350 retirees, family members, and guests registered , and it certainly showed. The incredible turnout was a testament to the strong bond that continues to unite generations of Los Angeles County firefighters.

The event provided an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share stories, honor those who built the foundation of our department, and recognize the lasting contributions of those who came before us. It was a powerful reminder that while equipment, technology, and tactics continue to evolve, the values of service, sacrifice, and brotherhood remain unchanged.

A special moment during the luncheon was the tribute to Randolph "Randy" Mantooth, whose portrayal of Johnny Gage on Emergency! inspired countless men and women to pursue careers in the fire service. Attendees joined together in a moment of silence to honor Randy, as well as all of our brothers and sisters who have served and have since passed away.

Local 1014 was proud to sponsor the event, with 2nd Vice President Tony Carcioppolo representing the Local and delivering remarks on behalf of our membership. His message focused on the importance of preserving our history, honoring those who paved the way, and recognizing that the strength of today's fire service is built upon the dedication and sacrifices of those who served before us.

Thank you to the Los Angeles County Fire Museum, the event organizers, volunteers, and everyone who attended for making this year's luncheon such a memorable celebration of our retirees and the proud history of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.