(WXYZ) — 7 Action News has learned that Detroit city officials are talking with the unions representing police, firefighters, EMS and bus drivers about hazardous duty pay as this remains a hotspot in the nation.
Mayor Mike Duggan says while the city is still recovering from bankruptcy and it has lost 20% of its revenue with the closing of the three Detroit casinos, they are looking at payments to the City of Atlanta which is paying first responders an extra $500 a month. The mayor says they pay for first responders who test positive for Covid-19 and for their treatment.
One EMS Medic who talked to 7 Action News on the condition of not being identified and says there’s some talk about a walkout like some Detroit nurses have done. He says they have protective gear and many are working overtime to cover the calls.
Union leaders confirm they are talking with the city.
The Mayor says in the Police Department, 154 officers have tested positive, 400 are quarantined and 328 have returned to work
Detroit has 2,200 police and ranking members.
In the Fire Department that includes EMS, 43 have tested positive, 79 are quarantined and45 have returned to work
Detroit has 1,200 in Fire and EMS ranks
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