NEW YORK — The unions representing the FDNY’s Emergency Medical Services workers are endorsing Justin Brannan’s campaign for city comptroller, a move that highlights a rift unfolding inside the Fire Department’s labor ranks over who to back in the competitive race.
Leaders of the two EMS unions, Local 3621 and Local 2507, both said they’re throwing their political weight behind Brannan because of his support for their push to have city EMS workers’ wages be commensurate with firefighters’ salaries. Pay parity for FDNY EMS workers has long been a top priority for the unions, and Brannan, in his capacity as City Council Finance Committee chairman, is pushing for this year’s municipal budget to earmark $50 million for raising their salaries.