FDNY EMS unions support Justin Brannan’s campaign for comptroller, opposing the agency leadership.

The unions representing the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers of the New York Fire Department (FDNY) have officially endorsed Justin Brannan’s campaign for the position of City Comptroller. This endorsement has shed light on a growing divide within the Fire Department’s labor community regarding support in what is expected to be a highly competitive election.

Leadership of the two significant EMS unions, Local 3621 and Local 2507, announced their endorsement of Brannan, citing his commitment to advocating for wage parity between city EMS workers and firefighters. This issue has been a longstanding priority for the unions, who argue that the salaries for emergency medical personnel should be aligned with those of their counterparts in firefighting. In his capacity as the City Council’s Finance Committee chairman, Brannan is currently urging the municipal budget for the upcoming year to allocate million specifically for increasing EMS workers’ salaries.

The urgency around this issue was underscored by Local 2507’s President, who emphasized Brannan’s unwavering support for the EMS workforce’s need for fair pay and recognition of their contributions. The endorsement signals a strategic alliance aimed at bolstering lobbying efforts to address salary discrepancies that have been a point of contention within the department.

Local 3621 and Local 2507 collectively represent thousands of EMS professionals, including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, fire inspectors, and emergency response managers. As with many labor guilds, these unions are known for their mobilization efforts to encourage voter turnout in support of their endorsed candidates.

The unions’ endorsements for Brannan follow a similar move by another prominent FDNY union, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, which publicly backed Brannan earlier in March. However, this cohesive support is contrasted by the recent endorsement of Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President and Brannan’s opponent, by the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. This division highlights an emerging tension within the FDNY, pitting the managerial ranks against the essential operational staff.

As of now, there has been no public polling conducted for the upcoming Democratic primary for City Comptroller, scheduled for June 24. Despite having raised more funds than Brannan, Levine faces a complex political landscape as the election approaches, characterized by the distinct voices within the Fire Department’s labor factions.

The upcoming primary election will not only test the popularity of the candidates but also reflect the dynamics of labor support in the city’s political landscape. The outcome will be a pivotal moment for both the EMS community and for the future direction of the FDNY’s labor relations. As the campaign continues, the focus will remain on the pressing matters of compensation and recognition for the vital work performed by EMS professionals in New York City.

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