INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV) – Independence fire service leaders warn they could lose more than 10 percent of their firefighters because they cannot afford to live on their current wages. The union representing Independence firefighters said wages are not keeping up with the cost of living as they negotiate with the city for a new contract.
Officials say 20 firefighters are thinking about leaving the department. Five firefighters receive government assistance to pay their bills. The Professional Firefighters of Independence represents 170 Independence firefighters. They have tried to negotiate a new contract for over a year.
Union leaders say the city ignored their questions for seven months. They say their salaries lag thousands of dollars behind neighboring cities.
Union President Michael Veit sent a memo to the council this month demanding answers. He spoke at the Jan. 20 council meeting about members struggling to make ends meet…