The Philadelphia Firefighter’s union http://www.iaff22.org has lost their battle to prevent the Mayor from closing 7 fire companies as part of the city’s current budget crisis. The judge claimed that the Firefighters failed to show that the cuts posed a threat to public safety. Things that make you go Hmmm. Be it seconds or minutes-how can those cuts NOT pose a threat to public safety…unless. perhaps, as a judge, or as a mayor, you simply don’t want it to? Judge Gary DiVito ruled yesterday that the Mayor CAN totally make the cuts because he felt that the FF’s had failed (in his eyes) to show that the cuts posed a threat to public safety.
But on the other side of the USA, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty announced budget cuts from state funds to cities and counties. In a classic response representing city hall dwellers, Jim Miller of the Minnesota League of Cities says police and fire services would INEVITABLY be affected! Typically, cities do that-they publicly go after Fire (and sometimes PD) because in many cases, we are a pain in the tush. I said Tush for a few of you whining that we have too many implied cuss words on The Secret List, such as WTF which, as if you didn’t know, stands for Well Trained Firefighters…duh. Sometimes in some cities, we aren’t liked very much. Sometimes we earn that reputation by being extreme and ridiculous in our requests. But in almost cases we do not. Fire departments DO cost money and we generate little revenue which annoys some. Usually those who have not yet had a fire or medical emergency.
But WE LOVED Governor Pawlenty’s response: "There are lots of options, not in all cities, but in many cities, where they can go to reduce spending or to tighten their belts before they might impact police and fire," he said. "And city council members, any mayor, any city administrator who would say their first course of action is going to be to affect public safety, I would politely say they have misplaced priorities." Bingo.
Back in Philly, Local 22 requested an injunction earlier this month, arguing that the Mayor was required to bargain with the union when it came to issues of firefighter safety. Judge DiVito said the union’s expert witness had FAILED (!?) to show that eliminating 5 engine companies and 2 ladder companies would endanger firefighters or the public. The city claims they will not lay off any firefighters or close any fire stations. Rather, firefighters staffing the 7 companies will be reassigned. The grievance filed earlier this month argues that the cuts would violate the city’s contract with the union by "jeopardizing the safety and health of firefighters in a manner that is likely to cause death or serious physical harm." While arbitrators have ruled that running the department and establishing staffing levels are legitimate management prerogatives, the contract prohibits cuts that may imperil firefighter health and safety.
Amazing. In a City with one of the highest civilian death rates from fire – there are cuts.
Take care-BE CAREFUL Responding, Operating, Returning …and at City Hall.
