NASA firefighters and paramedics at Kennedy Space Center in Florida have spent half a century protecting America’s legendary launch site. But now members of the Transport Workers (TWU) in this unique fire department are in the middle of a struggle with one of the world’s largest security corporations that is demanding huge cuts in wages and retirement security.  

You can help by going to TWU Local 525’s new Support NASA Firefighters website and signing a letter to Florida lawmakers urging their support for the space center’s first responders. (Click on video on the left.)

Last November, G4S—formerly Wackenhut Security—was awarded the contract for fire and rescue services at the space center. [BTW, G4S is the same firm that failed miserably to fulfill its contract to provide security for the London Olympic Games.]

When the first responders’ contract came up for renegotiation in March, G4S demanded a more than 20 percent cut in wages and retirement benefits for the firefighters, paramedics and inspectors.

Says TWU Local 525 President Kevin Smith: “G4S knew about the longstanding wages and benefits when they bid on the contract with NASA.”

It is unfair for them to claim, after underbidding their competitors, that they now need to make these cuts in order to make a profit. That is unfair to the firefighters and to the economic well-being of our community.          

If you live in Florida or know someone who does, send them over to www.SupportNASAFirefighters.org so they can sign their support to the NASA first responders.