FDNY EMS launches #StandWithEMS social media campaign to spotlight pay disparity * Brooklyn Paper

"FDNY EMS Local 2507, which represents more than 4,000 emergency medical technicians, paramedics and fire inspectors in New York City, launched a new public awareness campaign on social media Oct. 6 with the hashtag #StandWithEMS. The campaign follows the release of the Mayor's Management Report, which showed an increase in emergency response times. It aims to draw attention to the pay disparity that has plagued the city's emergency medical services for years"

"Union leaders say the pay gap has led to a 70% attrition rate within the first five years on the job - a figure they describe as unsustainable, especially as call volumes have risen in recent years. Union representatives expect that more than 1,500 members, or about 37% of the department's workforce, will leave within the next 12 months. FDNY EMS Local 2507 President Oren Barzilay noted that despite FDNY EMS being the busiest emergency medical response agency in the world, and with world-class professionals,"

"According to the campaign, an FDNY EMT's take-home pay is $25,332 - less than half the city's average cost of living, which stands at $64,026. By comparison, EMTs and paramedics in neighboring Nassau County can earn up to $142,000 a year after 12 years on the job, with a starting salary of $50,000. Because of the low pay, many FDNY EMTs rely on programs such as SNAP and HUD Section 8 housing vouchers to get by."

FDNY EMS Local 2507 launched a public awareness campaign on social media using #StandWithEMS after the Mayor's Management Report showed increased emergency response times. The campaign highlights longstanding pay disparities for more than 4,000 EMTs, paramedics and fire inspectors and calls on the public to support EMS. Union leaders attribute a 70% attrition rate within five years to low pay and predict over 1,500 members could leave within 12 months. FDNY EMT take-home pay averages $25,332, well below the city's $64,026 cost-of-living average, forcing many to rely on SNAP, Section 8, or live homeless or commute long distances.

Read at Brooklyn Paper