New York Daily News

NEW YORK -- More than 50,000 firefighters from around the world are expected to cram Times Square next week to rally for higher pay for their New York brethren, the New York Daily News has learned. The Uniformed Firefighters Association is organizing the demonstration for Friday -- the day before a massive memorial service for the 343 FDNY members lost on Sept. 11, 2001, is held at Madison Square Garden.

Union President Steve Cassidy said his members want to call attention to the fact they have been working without a contract for 28 months.

The UFA wants a "substantial raise, similar to what the teachers received," Cassidy said. City teachers won increases of 16 percent to 22 percent.

"We want to let the politicians know it is time for them to do the right thing," Cassidy told The New York Daily News. "Firefighters are sick and tired of being told how special they are -- and being paid a salary that does not allow them to feed their families." Probationary firefighters earn $31,000. Top pay for a firefighter with five years' experience is $49,000.

UFA officials took part in a similar rally in August, when the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association was in contract arbitration. The PBA's pact was later settled with an 11.5% raise spread out over two years.

"The eyes of the world will be on New York City this weekend with so many firefighters here to pay respect to the FDNY. We also want the world to know we've been working without a contract or a raise," said Firefighter Brian Harvey of Engine 236 in East New York, Brooklyn.

"The city is notorious for dragging its feet when it comes to contract negotiations, and we're frustrated that the city never settles a contract within a reasonable amount of time."