January 27, 2012

Brothers and Sisters,

It is apparent to all that the City Manager and Fire Chief have made their position clear, despite our best efforts to convince them otherwise.  That does not change our position.  This may be what they feel is necessary.  It is just simply not in the best interest of the public or its fire service professionals.  Your E-Board, along with others will continue to send our message.  It is important to keep in mind while we will be directly affected by this change that we keep our message consistently positive.  While I can respect the anger at what is occurring it is important that we are diligent and maintain our message.  

Today, L314 filed a demand to bargain.  What this means is that we will be bargaining over the impacts related to the staffing reduction to a 40-hour workweek at station 11.  We expect the bargaining to begin shortly after President Chitwood returns from vacation.

On a related note, I cannot tell you what you can and cannot place on your personal postings (Email, Facebook, etc.) but if we can all work together placing only the facts out there it will put us all in a better light with those in the public that may not understand things as your brothers and sisters of the profession understand or get all too well.  Consider the appropriate content of your messages carefully as the eyes of many are upon us.   We work for the public and wish for them to know the facts of the matter as outlined by President Chitwood in his last email. 

The fire department is slated to be under budget for the current fiscal year ending in June.  It is not necessary to reduce E11 to 40 hours a week to balance the current budget.  Please refer to the information cards that have been distributed in order to inform those you know with the facts.  Also please be sure to check the website for updates, and for information on the upcoming public budget input meetings throughout the City. Feel free to contact me directly or any E-Board members if you have questions.  Thank you.

In Unionism,

Trever

503-931-2844