First responders working at the V.I. Port Authority have newly approved contracts, which the agency’s governing board approved on Wednesday. The agreements include new terms achieved in separate negotiations with the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Union (ARFF) and the Law Enforcement Officers’ (LEO) unions.
Until now, VIPA firefighters and police were covered by a single Collective Bargaining Agreement. The duration of each deal remains the same as the original contract: from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. 30, 2026.
VIPA’s executive staff informed board members about the series of negotiations held between the unions and management leading to ratification by the respective memberships on June 21. “It is recommended that the Board of Governors approve the separation of the ARFF/LEO Collective Bargaining Agreement,” read the language appearing in staff memos distributed before Wednesday’s meeting.
Speaking to a reporter at the meeting’s end, Executive Director Carlton Dowe called the board’s approval a positive step. “What it allows us to do is go forward with the compensation terms the unions agreed to,” said Dowe.
The base pay for fire/rescue officers is $33,000; starting pay for Port Authority police is $35,000. Both unions won promises to reopen wage talks for the 2024-2025 portion of their contracts.
Other sections of the deals include revised provisions for new hires undergoing training programs and interim wages for injured workers awaiting worker’s compensation.
Board members voting to approve the contracts included Chairman Willard John, Celestino White Sr., Leona Smith, Gordon Rhea and Derek Gabriel.
