VIDEO: Raleigh police officers and firefighters will come together Tuesday afternoon to amplify their call for better pay.
Firefighters told WRAL News better pay will support the Raleigh Fire Department's work to retain employees and recruit for nearly 60 vacancies.
The group of first responders plans to protest outside the municipal building at 228 West Hargett St. in downtown Raleigh between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
There are currently 58 vacant firefighter positions within the Raleigh Fire Department, an increase of 450% in two years.
Although Raleigh's living hourly wage is $17.33, a Raleigh firefighter starts their career at $13.42 per hour. The city's new proposed pay plan only increases firefighters' pay to $15.06.
Firefighters want the City of Raleigh to raise the starting pay $18.20 per hour and adjust the entire pay scale accordingly. Their proposed rate is $2.30 higher than what the city is currently proposing.
