Spokane Unions Disputed Fire Dispatch Representation
The city and firefighters' union are at odds over which group should represent new emergency dispatchers.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Emergency Response
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Spokane officials have clashed with the local firefighter union regarding which labor organization should represent employees in the city's new in-house 911 dispatch system. The dispute centers on whether police union Local 270 or firefighter union Local 29 should manage the incoming dispatchers.
Why it matters
The outcome will determine the labor structure of Spokane's new emergency communication system as the city moves to internalize services previously outsourced to the county. The firefighter union argues that requiring EMT certifications for dispatchers could significantly improve emergency care quality.
The city is launching an in-house dispatch system after outsourcing these functions to the county 911 system in late 2022. A recent emergency call involved a 4-person firefighter crew responding to a reported fall.
The players
Local 270
This union currently represents city police dispatchers and is the city's choice to represent the new fire and medical dispatchers.
Local 29
This firefighter union represents city firefighters and argues that dispatchers should be required to hold EMT certifications.
Public Employment Relations Commission
This state agency is tasked with holding hearings to resolve the jurisdictional labor dispute between the unions.
The details
Spokane intends to have Local 270 represent the new emergency medical and fire dispatchers, while Local 29 contends the specialized nature of the roles warrants different representation. The city relies on the Civil Service process to hire these new employees, while the state commission process will resolve the representation question.
Timeline
Late 2022: Spokane outsourced fire dispatch to the county system.
September 27, 2026: A union president responded to a reported fall.
Week of September 28, 2026: The state commission holds hearings on the dispute.
Seasonal Patterns
This labor dispute follows the standard procedures set by the Public Employment Relations Commission jurisdictional dispute resolution process. The disagreement reflects broader challenges municipalities face when reconfiguring emergency service staffing.
Residents should be aware that the city is in the process of transitioning to an internal dispatch model. Emergency services remain operational as the city and unions work through the required legal hearings.
The takeaway
Labor disputes over internal staffing transitions are common as cities seek to modernize emergency service infrastructure. Spokane's resolution of this conflict will likely set a standard for how future certification requirements are negotiated within the city's public safety departments.
What happens next
The state Public Employment Relations Commission will hold hearings during the week of September 28, 2026, to determine which union will hold jurisdiction over the new dispatchers.
Further reading
Learn more about local emergency operations at the Emergency Response page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
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Should city fire dispatchers be required to hold EMT certifications for their role?
