Well, it’s all over but the crying. The city will axe 68 firefighter jobs before July 1 save for fourth quarter hail mary pass.
Mayor Johnson says the city presented the union a “very good offer.” Conversely, the union thinks the city’s demands are unreasonable. The union offered the city one year with no pay raises as long as no jobs were cut. The city rejected the offer. The city apparently wanted a 3 year pay freeze.
From what I have seen, it is the union residents appear to be angry with. I have read countless comments from citizens to the effect of: “so much for the brotherhood when it comes to money.” Hard to argue.
Indeed, at face value it appears as though savings accounts are more important to union members than saving their brothers’ jobs. Then again, if your job was safe, and your company asked YOU to choose between raises or your peers’ jobs, how would you vote? I have thought about this a little, and I honestly don’t know how I would vote. That choice could be likened to being presented two options: to have your teeth knocked out or your legs broken. Errrrrr. This decision had to be a gut-wrenching one for firefighters, and I don’t envy them for having to make it. They probably thought the city would ultimately come though. But despite KJ’s hardcore stance on public safety, that didn’t happen.
That raises the question: Has KJ and his council colleagues done all they can to reach an amicable solution with the union? I know a lot of people are probably thinking : “Joe! There is no money in the city’s coffers! Do you want them to grow $10,000,000 in the city hall atrium?” (Ed: Do we even have a city hall atrium? And if so, is it adorned with 40 Acres art works yet?). I understand the city has no money, but should we assume just because it has no money that is has done everything in its power to save jobs?
The city’s new fiscal year starts on July 1. Shouldn’t they be negotiating all the way up til the eve of the new fiscal year? Of course I understand that they have to legally notify workers two weeks in advance, but Johnson’s “we’re done” statement tonight leads me to believe the city is completely DONE with negotiating, and would rather take off for their vacation on Monday than work with public safety officials to find a solution.
In any event, I really abhor all the rancid comments from people about our firefighters. I think charges that they are overpaid, crooked, lazy, greedy, and so forth and so on are pathetic. It’s probably safe to say the people making those comments have never needed the services of the fire department. These folks make MAJOR sacrifices to serve the public and put their lives on the line EVERY DAY for our safety, and they deserve more respect than ignorant people are giving them.
Show some respect for our public safety servants. They deserve it.
I’m very sorry so many of our prized firefighters are losing their jobs. I can only hope they can find jobs elsewhere doing what they love to do.. serving their fellow human beings. God speed to y’all and we’ll keep praying for an eleventh hour miracle.
Maybe KJ can call up Warren Buffet and get some cash for us…
Joe, good summation of the situation and thank you for your kind words. It’s tough to read all the hate mail, and I know I speak for many others when I say I appreciate your support. Your right it was gutwrenching choice. No one wants to see their roommates get booted. Were also hoping for a miracle
Thanks again
Many years ago, I attended a community safety event at our neighborhood fire station. I was chatting with a firefighter and as the conversation came to a close, I said “Thank you for letting us visit your station” to which the firefighter replied “No, this is YOUR station.” It might seem like a small thing, but it showed how the firefighters understand their role as public servants, and are here to serve the people of our community. The firefighter I spoke with that day is the kind of person I want to see at all levels of government, one who is committed to serve the community. As much as I support the city firefighters, it’s difficult for me to understand why they waited so long to negotiate. That dedication to public service has not come through in their recent contract negotiations. I’m not sure they have a leg to stand on, especially when other areas of the city have had to sacrifice services. I’ll be sad if their jobs are lost.
Nice to see a published opinion that looks at the situation from both ends of the gun barrel. My understanding is that the “very good offer” Mayor Johnson refers to did not have a guarantee of no job loss and that was the reason the union rejected it. It is frustrating to see that both sides want the same goal, but cannot find a middle ground. Also, as one who follows this stuff fairly closely, I have a question that’s never been adequately answered: The current contract the firefighters have was enacted last year. The city at that time was projecting a budget deficit for this year of 58 million dollars. Responding to some criticism, Mayor Fargo was quoted as saying the money for the pay increase was budgeted. So now, with the deficit smaller than projected, why is the city unable to honor its contract?
As a fellow firefighter in Fresno, CA and having worked with the Sacramento Fire Department as a civilian, I definitely feel for the firefighters. First of al, It must be understood by the average citizen that Sacramento Fire Department is one of the LOWEST paid departments in California. So thfact that they are willing to accept pay freeze for even one year until contract re-nogotiations occur, is a HUGE deal for this union! Considering they are running anyhere between 20 and 30 calls PER DAY and having to transport among the calls! The Firefighter Per Capita number has not changed in Sacramento in several decades, in fact, it has DECREASED over the last several decades. What does this do to the citizen of Sacramento??? Decreases the level of emergency service they will recieve. This is just some info for the “Average Joe” Sacramento to help you understand.
Joe – I believe the City is giving up and just wanting to go on vacation…sad statement regarding how they feel about this City and doing all that they can do to make sure we can save as many of our firefighters and public safety officials jobs. One question someone should be asking the City – is why when they struck a deal with 522 last year the City was facing a $58 million deficit, but still struck that deal and now the City is facing a $50 million budget deficit but re-negging on the contract they struck w/ 522 saying you now much take cuts. Seems to me the City is playing a lot of games, but no real straight talk. The City should be negotiating with the unions until 11:59pm on June 30th no questions asked, that is what they were elected to do and should do in these times of economic uncertainty.
Regarding your second paragraph; ” City offered 3 year freeze with no job loss.” FALSE!!! Had that been the case the union would have approved the deal. In return for 3 year freeze they offered ONE year no job loss. What no one at 522 wanted to see was a situation where raises are given up for 3 years only to have them come back next June and lay-off anyways.
Yeah it would be a miracle if the unions put America & their communities before their own wallets.
While almost all Americans tighten their belts…public employee unions refuse to give an inch…I have no sympathy whatsoever for public employees and their fat pay checks and benefits…
We should cut all public employee salaries based on the percentage of loss in California’s tax base…20-30% and their retirement by 40-50%. If they don’t like it…open up their jobs to the free market… there would be a line two miles long to take their jobs.
Shame on you all… Public employee unions should be outlawed in California.
I am Joe too: thanks. Was a typo. I corrected.
Community Dis: The blog and my position were predicated on the reality that unions are here to stay. Calling for an end to them is kind of a red herring because we all know that’s not going to happen. It is what it is.
In my opinion cops, firefighters and teachers (at least the good ones), could never be paid what they’re actually WORTH. OIne could argue they need union representation because if politicians like, e.g., Ray Tretheway had their druthers, they’d be getting paid minimum wage.
Personally, I would much rather see all non emergency/public safety government vehicles taken back and sold (just as Senator Wiggins has done — http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/capitolalertlatest/023361.html), and other major fat cut out of government budgets than see our public safety resources dwindle any further.
Also, I am shocked big public safety proponent KJ did not side with the union on this as Cohn did.
Actually Joe..of course you are correct…We cannot outlaw unions…. BUT… We can put an initiative on the ballot to outlaw collective bargaining with public employee unions..it would have the same effect.
This has happened in 19 states… and has been upheld by the courts in many cases… the initiative must be written well for it to withstand the lawsuits that the firefighters would file.
Firefighters cannot legally go on strike… there is really no reason to bargain with them…
I find it hilarious and VERY TELLING, and PROOF that firefighters and Police are only concerned about their wallets MUCH more than their community or our country…I know that almost every member of 522 and SPOA are personally very conservative…most of them are porn loving, beer swilling, gun toting, 4×4 driving rednecks… but will always vote for a Democrat to fatten their own wallets…
What does porn, beer, guns and 4×4’s have to do with anything? That describes the majority of American males.
Interesting about the collective bargaining thing, though. I’d sure love to see it go away in pro sports!
There are alot of dangerous jobs. Talk to our military.. and they work at least 5 .. if not 7 days a week when deployed. I find it interesting that firefighters who find their jobs so dangerous are willing to make them even more dangerous for themselves and others with smaller staffing and longer hours. It doesn’t make sense. We are ALL in this economic crisis TOGETHER.
Sharon +1. Great comment.
Community Dis- “Firefighters cannot legally go on strike… there is really no reason to bargain with them…”
This type of attitude spurred the formation of unions. Everyone with a job in america can thank the labor movement for their current working conditions. Sorry, I am a conservative Republican, but I can look at the big picture. It’s not as simple as “blame the union”
Sharon- The firefighter UNION is trying to keep firefighters on the job and firehouses open. Those resources protect you and I. The city of Sac has refused to take back the 5% raise. Poses some questions about city hall’s intentions in my book.
Hey Truth… I call a lie…or confused… I have never heard of a Conservative being pro union…
For the record… I have no problem with unions in general…they have done great things for the American worker, but their usefulness…back in the 30’s 40’s has passed. I also have no problem with private companies want to hire union contractors, I say more power to them… (I am adamantly opposed to the rank and file union members being FORCED to financially support only candidates that the union decides to support)
Public employee unions are a different animal altogether… their campaign contributions have completely corrupted California’s political system. Public employee unions hurt taxpayers. It is not in the best interest of the taxpayer to have public employees in unions…and it harms all working men and women in the state by raising our taxes to have to pay their insane salaries and benefit packages. Public employees should have to compete on the open market, just as private citizens do for salaries and benefits…why should they be treated any differently than any other hard working tax payers?
I have to agree with Community’s point about their benefit packages. I REALLY want to see all government employee benefits be the same as private sector workers get. Enough of these ridiculous pensions and benefits. I think benefits packages are one of the main reasons unions come under so much ‘fire.’ The state/city/county etc can no longer afford them. Time for massive cuts.
But don’t worry, yall will still be ok with the type of medical and dental plans the rest of us get. And life without a nice pension is completely doable.. ask the 175 million of us who don’t have one lined up
Again, I look at the big picture, and have a common sense perspective on issues. I do not blindly follow a political party. That is ignorant.
First, I challenge your “insane salaries” comment. The private sector has always been feast or famine. In the early 2000’s, the private sector was cleaning house financially. Think of all the millions made just in real estate. At that time public employees were dragging the lower part of middle class in terms of financial compensation. Now the tables have turned. This is a historical trend, granted this one worse than most. Nobody is going back, asking all the real estate agents who were making 150K per year to kick back some money. But the public employees, who’s finances haven’t changed much in the past seven years (i.e. the Sac firefighters) are asked to take the hit as well, which they are doing.
Without union protection, firefighters would be making less now, being forced to give up more, and work at the mercy of politicians. How would you like to have your livelihood balance on the whims of our current elected??? It is too convenient to blame unions. Also, you should research campaign donors. Private industry throws ALOT of money at politicians, so it goes both ways. Again, look at the big picture and from both sides. Don’t pigeonhole yourself.
As for PERS contributions, that falls on our politicians. They chose not to make payments when times were good, and are now caught with their pants down. Irresponsible spending on pet projects in lieu of paying bills is not the fault of unions. We could argue the merits of pension benefits, but the financial falout has more to do with the above and less to do with the payouts. You’ll have to do some research (I say that nicely, not snide).
Joe- many of the 175 million had pretty nice pensions lined up with their respective employers or through a 401k. People who retired in the early 2000’s and safeguareded their investments rode a private sector wave and are sitting pretty because of it.
I will bet that if you asked an ENRON enployee if he would rather have had a modest (at that time) public retirement, they would have laughed in your face…right up till they lost everything.
Again, look at the big picture, not just “today”
Joe
Good point that many of us might make the same decision to throw rookies under the bus.
But many of us also work in meritocratic environments where our hard work and skill keep us employed, not seniority. Many of us do not possess the corrupting ability to cause co-workers to be fired based on our decision, like some warped episode of Survivor. And many of us do not stand behind a logo stating “Pride-Honor-Courage” while hyporcritically calling our co-workers “brorthers”.
In the private sector, using coercion and extortion to convince your employer to fire someone other than you is acriminal act. But when public service unions do this its called collective bargaining.
Hey “community dis organizer,” check out the following web site and tell me how many public employee unions are major contributors toward political campaigns: http://www.campaignmoney.com
In virtually every category, the top contributors are very large corporate for-profit companies, the same companies that are responsible for this financial crisis that we are in right now. To place all the blame on unions is just plain ignorant.
What a disgraceful fire union Sac has, Truth Hurts sounds like he works for 522, I wonder what he will say to his friends who get laid off, Joe said above that the pensions and benefits are grossly over paid and now over budget, if the union did not want to compromise, blame them for the layoffs. I doubt the city fireman are under paid, salaries, overtime, benefits and retirement produce a pay exceeding most people, that is not disputable. To blame other’s and not corrupt fire unions for our woes is pathetic. Other states have fire services that dont bankrupt their communities.
Everybody needs to go back to the drawing board. It’s that simple. The unions have to be realistic, the City/School District/Legislature need to stop posturing and pretending that “Oh no if you don’t do this, it’s the end of the world! Oh we mean it… okay now we really mean it!” Nobody believes them anymore, even though this time it might actually be the end of the world.
I’ve heard from too many people that there’s no money here or there. It doesn’t matter- if you cut $5K here and there, you end up with $100K and save a job and in the case of the firefighters, probably a house. So you go to every other day janitorial, drive your own car, turn off the lights when you leave the building, copy stuff double sided, stop printing out emails. It would seem that every public agency should have ORDERED these changes. Yet I received a certified letter today from a public agency that cost them at least $6 to send a form that is on their WEBSITE! Simply absurd.
Historically, public employees have taken a lower salary in return for better benefits. I know people that work in the private sector that do the exact same public sector job for 3 to 5x a much cash, even in THIS economy. The difference is the private sector folks could all lose their jobs and their pension tomorrow. Public sector folks have traded some long term cash benefits for a bit of job security. I have no problems with the benefits in good times but they have to be willing to give a little in hard times.
Sac Blog- Your comments
“Historically, public employees have taken a lower salary in return for better benefits. I know people that work in the private sector that do the exact same public sector job for 3 to 5x a much cash, even in THIS economy. The difference is the private sector folks could all lose their jobs and their pension tomorrow. Public sector folks have traded some long term cash benefits for a bit of job security. I have no problems with the benefits in good times but they have to be willing to give a little in hard times.”
I totally agree. I feel the unions are giving quite a bit, and am tired of them getting scapegoated for our financial woes. The firefighters, IMO, have done their part, offering the 5%. The city……does anyone know what they are doing (including themselves)????
GREAT comments here. Very enlightening. Thank you for the food for thought
Firefighters are going to sue: http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=61944
Thanks, Lisa
Well you got to give them a hand for having brass balls…
If anyone wants to see how your city council works, just go to a meeting. I went last week and was ultimately dissapointed. The council members were not paying attention during the whole meeting as if the already had their minds made up. They were having personal whisper matches between each other, getting up and leaving the room and dosing off. Very disrespectful! And one would think, how did we get into this problem in the first place? I think we should get rid of this problem, don’t vote for them when their seat becomes available.
There’s no defending the selfish actions of the firefighter’s union. They’ve done tremendous harm to their public image by not doing the right thing and taking a hit like the police union. The cops should be commended. The firemen should be ashamed.
Personally, I don’t see the firefighters as the tyrants they’re being made out to be.
The deal the city negotiated with the FF Union that was set to go before the city council and the FF union last week was pulled by the council in closed section before the FF union had a chance to vote and approve it. This was because SPOA (the Sac Police union) threatened the city council to not sign their agreement if the FF pact was passed. SPOA felt the FF deal was a little better and couldn’t stand by and let that happen. Mayor Johnsonn is a snake in the weeds.