Union willing to cut raises to avoid layoffs

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By Richard Wilson, Staff Writer 8:14 PM Sunday, May 17, 2009

HAMILTON — With public safety jobs at stake, the city firefighters’ union has proposed to forego raises next year, and a police union proposal may soon follow.

The city clerk’s office sent out notice late Friday, May 15, that City Council would meet for an open special session Monday night, May 18, to consider possible changes to the city’s contract with the International Association of Firefighters Local 20.

In order to avoid layoffs, Hamilton firefighters have offered to forego 3 percent raises in 2010 and give up a confined space rescue team, saving the city more than $420,000 by the end of next year, said Union President Eric Abney.

In exchange, the contract would be extended to 2012, with wages being reconsidered in 2011, Abney said.

Following its own negotiations last week, the police union is formulating an offer for the city to consider, said Brian Robinson, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 38.

That proposal could also include foregoing raises, but because of scheduling conflicts, the next meeting between the city and police won’t happen until the week of Memorial Day, Robinson said.

Members of both unions would have to vote on the changes before they are implemented.

These developments come after a majority of City Council agreed with the administration’s recommendation for across-the-board cuts of every general fund department to trim overall expenses by $3 million.

The firefighters’ proposal would account for about half of the cuts requested of the fire department. If the proposal is accepted by council, the rest of the cuts from the fire department may be shifted to impact another department.

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Fred was right. In 2007 all but ne officer made $60,000 (ncluding overtime and special pays. I did a public records request - why don't you do the same thing.

What Fred failed to mention was the Six Assistant Fire Chiefs or all the Police Captains making over 93,000 plus benefits.

Fact Checker
8:41 PM, 5/18/2009

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Hey Bob when was the last time in the Private Sector Non-Union employee walked into their Bosses Officer and said I want 3-4% guranteed raise for the next 3 years and I wnat to pay mimnimal premium for insurance, etc. and if you don't give it to me we are going to arbitration.
Yeah that happens all the time.....

Check salaries here at this site:

http://projects.middletownjournal.c...%20of%20Hamilton/1/?sort=-income

ike
5:40 PM, 5/18/2009

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The lowest paid police officer does not make 60,000 by the way... you are wrong.
And thank you Dave, people act like they have never asked for a raise where they work. You cant blame the PD and FD for doing the same thing. Their cost of living goes up just as much as everyone elses.

bob
4:08 PM, 5/18/2009

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The City Manager's raise was 80% paid for by utilities.Police and Fire caused the problem now they have to solve it as they account for over 80% of the General Fund.

The lowest paid policeman in the City will make over $60,000 this year. An independent research firm says we hav 30% more fireman. Please do the math and learn your facts.

fred
3:44 PM, 5/18/2009

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Getting a raise is one thing, blackmailing a city for continual 3-4% raises each year because of Unions and an antiquates law is ridicules. Before you even go there I was a Cop for many years in a Non-Union force and some years we got better raises than others due to the economy, we had all of the other benefits that Ohio Police enjoy. So spare me the crap.

ike
12:19 PM, 5/18/2009

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