Cape Girardeau firefighters take contract dispute to Missouri lawmakers after 1,200 days without deal

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — A contract dispute between the City of Cape Girardeau and its firefighters is now drawing attention at the state level after a union leader testified before Missouri lawmakers.

Ethan Essner, vice president of the Cape Girardeau Firefighters Association Local 1084, recently spoke before a Missouri House committee in Jefferson City as lawmakers reviewed House Bill 3283, legislation that would create clearer timelines and procedures for labor negotiations between public employers and employee unions.

Essner said Cape Girardeau firefighters have been working without a contract for more than 1,200 days while negotiations with the city remain unresolved.

“Our case has gotten a lot of attention across the state,” Essner said. “We’re not the only department in the state that’s dealing with similar issues. Leaders felt that our case would be a good representation of what the bill could prevent within cities and municipalities.”

Union leaders say the proposed legislation would require mediation and arbitration if negotiations stall, with the goal of helping both sides reach agreements more quickly.

Firefighters say their concerns involve changes affecting wages, benefits and working conditions. Essner said communication between the union and city leadership has been one of the biggest challenges during negotiations.

He pointed to changes in overtime calculations, work schedules and retiree health care benefits as examples of issues the union wants addressed in a future contract.

Cape Girardeau Mayor Stacey Kinder said the dispute centers on budget concerns and the city cannot agree to a contract that exceeds financial limits.

Kinder said previous firefighter contracts contributed to $2.6 million in budget overruns in the fire department between 2020 and 2025, including about $900,000 in 2024 alone. She also said firefighter starting salaries have increased 43 percent since 2022, benefits have improved and the department currently has no budget overruns this fiscal year.

Kinder said House Bill 3283 could force cities into mediation and arbitration, allowing outside parties to make financial decisions for local governments.

The dispute has also become part of the upcoming Cape Girardeau mayoral race. Firefighters say they have endorsed mayoral candidate Robbie Guard, saying he has met with the union to discuss ways to resolve the contract issue.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Essner said firefighters remain committed to serving the community.

“We are committed to providing the most quality service to our citizens that they deserve,” Essner said. “At the end of the day we’re there to do what’s needed in the community.”

Negotiations between the city and firefighters remain ongoing as lawmakers continue reviewing House Bill 3283.