Raleigh firefighters unhappy with newly-approved pay raise

The firefighters wanted a seven percent raise, but the newly-approved budget only gave them about three percent.

On Tuesday, a group of firefighters protested outside City Hall and filled the council chambers in an effort to keep the pay issue front and center.

They agree that while they are disappointed in the budget vote, they are now focused on a city-wide employee pay study. The study, which is being completed by a contracted company, will focus on the city's salaries. It is expected to be completed in the spring.

"We have to stay focused on that study. We have to get them to see how important it is to return that study in time so our people can have a decent wage increase in the next financial budget," said Keith Wilder, president of the Raleigh Professional Firefighters Association.

City leaders say they are listening and agree that a pay raise is needed. Leaders are trying to have the study completed by the end of the year in effort to implement necessary changes next spring.