Month: November 2013

I just want to get this in text format so you can copy past it into your chosen medium.

Here is the complete text of the news release we issued today on layoffs in the Omaha Fire Department. The layoffs will not take effect until January, so there is still time to avoid layoffs.

News release:
Layoff notices will be delivered to 19 Omaha firefighters beginning today, as a result of Local 385 refusing to agree to necessary staffing changes to the current contract with the City of Omaha.

“These layoffs can be prevented if the union, through its leadership, agrees to reduce the size of the 2014 paramedic classes,” said Mayor Jean Stothert. “We will have over 300 certified paramedics by the end of 2014, nearly half the sworn strength of the department. Reducing the number and size of the 2014 paramedic training classes will not affect public safety.”

In light of the fact that the fire department is $6.2 million over budget in 2013, it is imperative that the city meet the 2014 budget. Layoffs have always been under consideration as an alternative to meet the OFD 2014 budget, though not preferred.

Mayor Stothert agreed in writing, there would be no layoffs next year if the union would agree to reduce the size of 2014 paramedic training classes from a total of 48 to12. The union leadership rejected the offer. The Mayor also made a written offer to extend the no layoff option through 2015, if the fire department stayed within its 2014 budget, set at $90.6 million. The union leadership rejected this offer as well, insisting on an indefinite guarantee of no layoffs.

The firefighters receiving layoff notices beginning today are probationary firefighters hired in February, 2013. The union contract allows for layoffs for budgetary reasons. The layoffs will be effective January 4, 2014.

“The 19 firefighters receiving layoff notices have been determined based on their ranking on the firefighter entrance exams, as required by the contract,” said interim Fire Chief Bernie Kanger.

“With the layoffs not being effective until January, there is still time to avoid them, if the union is willing to come to an agreement,” said Mayor Stothert.

Currently, there are 652 firefighters in the department, 21 more than allocated in the 2013 budget. If the union allows these layoffs to occur in January, OFD will still have a sworn strength higher than when the current contract was ratified in January 2013.

The City Human Relations Department will meet with each firefighter receiving a layoff notice to discuss layoff rights, recall from layoff rights, the possibility of vacant city positions that might be available and answer questions on benefits, unemployment, health insurance and pension.

The Mayor is doing the right thing. A. She is trying to get under budget, B. Safety won’t be impacted, C. She has given the Fire Union a couple options to keep all them employed, even though it is in violation of the contract.

Thanks Mayor Jean Stothert. Thanks IAFF Local 385 Management.