Cape Girardeau Firefighters Local 1084 accuse City of rights violations, demand immediate action

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – Cape Girardeau Firefighters Local 1084 announced Monday that it is taking public action in response to what it describes as ongoing violations of constitutional bargaining rights, reductions in firefighter benefits, lowered hiring standards, and decisions it says undermine public safety.

The union held a public demonstration and appeared collectively at Monday night’s Cape Girardeau City Council meeting, stating that its members have been working more than 1,200 days without a contract. According to Local 1084, the City has refused to negotiate in good faith during that period.

Union officials said the City’s Human Resources Director told firefighters, “This is not a negotiation, this is us telling you how it is.” They added that outside legal counsel hired by the City removed or rejected every proposal submitted by the union without offering counterproposals.

Local 1084 alleges the City has made unilateral changes to firefighter working conditions despite repeated warnings that such actions violate Article I, Section 29 of the Missouri Constitution, which protects collective bargaining rights for public employees. The union says the administration reduced benefits, altered conditions, and lowered hiring and promotional standards to fill vacancies—actions it argues weaken the fire department and compromise public safety.

The union previously issued unanimous votes of no confidence in the City Manager and Human Resources Director. On Monday, Local 1084 reaffirmed that position, stating that city officials have disregarded constitutional requirements, employee welfare, and community safety. The union also criticized elected officials for declining to open an investigation after being provided detailed information about the alleged violations.

“For years, City leaders have campaigned on supporting public safety and passed taxes in the name of first responders,” Local 1084 said. “Their actions do not reflect the commitments they make to voters.”

Local 1084 said it is calling on the City to take the following actions:

• Respect constitutional collective bargaining rights.
• Immediately halt all unilateral changes to firefighter working conditions.
• Restore all benefits the union says were unlawfully changed or removed.
• Engage in lawful, good-faith contract negotiations.
• Hold city leadership accountable for decisions the union describes as unlawful.
• Implement new administrative direction.
• Invest in firefighter benefits, wellness, and essential public-safety equipment.

“We are asking the City to follow the Missouri Constitution, act with integrity, and protect firefighters and citizens alike,” the union said.

Local 1084 stated that its members remain “united and resolute” in advocating for firefighters and the community they serve.