What happened: Virginia Beach officials are taking steps to address a pay disparity among EMS professionals, who currently earn 5%-10% less than their counterparts in comparable markets. City leadership, led by Mayor Bobby Dyer, is advocating for wage increases, requesting between $21M-$55M to improve compensation for public safety employees. The move comes as the city seeks to improve retention and recruitment, acknowledging that competitive pay is essential to maintaining a strong workforce.

Highlights

The path forward

Virginia Beach’s initiative highlights the importance of fair compensation in EMS. By addressing wage disparities, the city is not only ensuring the financial well-being of its EMS personnel, but also strengthening public safety services. Other municipalities facing similar retention challenges may look to Virginia Beach’s approach as a model for prioritizing EMS pay.

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