We are Local 134 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, a 290,000 member trade union representing the interests of professional firefighters and paramedics in the U.S. and Canada
Honorable Lisa Borders, President
Atlanta City Councilmembers
RE: Fire Rescue Staffing
Dear President Borders and Councilmembers:
Staffing at Atlanta Fire Rescue is dangerously low. With the abolishment of 119 firefighters in the FY09 budget, the Department is in no position to absorb the additional reduction-in-force from Mayor Franklin’s proposed furloughs.
Furlough implementation plan - There has been much speculation that implementing the furlough plan mandated by Mayor Franklin will require 53-hour employees to work partial shifts/days. In addition to increasing the members commute expense, this would make it more difficult for members to make up for lost income with part-time employment.
The Fire Chief was sensitive to these concerns and determined keep the 24-hour shifts in tact, if possible. Yesterday afternoon, Chief Cochran, his senior staff, and IAFF 134 representatives held a planning session, and formulated a schedule that combines R-days and furlough hours into a 9-shift R-day/furlough cycle that meets the salary reduction mandates.
WASHINGTON, DC — It took firefighters more than an hour to bring the blaze under control in the 1000 block of Quebec Place in Northwest.
When the flames and smoke had cleared they discovered the body of an adult-believed to be female- in the rubble.
Normally after a fatal fire, firefighters are dispatched through the neighborhood handing out smoke detectors to anyone who needs one.
Deeper Budget Cuts - The FY09 budget is like a zombie. It won’t die and keeps eating the living. The current economic crisis is hitting Atlanta and other major cities hard. Last Thursday, Mayor Franklin announced that revenues in the second quarter were 11% less that anticipated. In response, she mandated furloughs for all city employees, including fire fighters and police officers, equal to 10% of salary.
For 53-hour employees, that would be 5.3 hours per week, and for 4 hours per week for 40-hour employees. Combined with the recent reimplementation of R-day, this would mean about a 17% reduction in pay.
Harold Shaitberger
General President
RE: SAFER Funding to Mitigate Fire Fighter Staffing Reductions
Dear Harold:
The City of Atlanta is facing unprecedented fiscal challenges related to the current economic crisis. As a result, Atlanta Fire Rescue has suffered budget cuts of over 15%. This has caused the elimination of 135 fire fighter positions out of a sworn force 750. Additionally, last Thursday Mayor Shirley Franklin announced that in order to adjust to an 11% shortfall in quarterly revenues, Atlanta would impose furloughs equal to 10% of work hours. This is the equivalent of a reduction in force of an additional 60 firefighter available for front-line staffing.
This article appeared in the Buckhead Reporter on November 14, 2008.
by John F. Schaffner
Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran told members of the Buckhead Business Association (BBA) Nov. 6 that after the dramatic budget cuts of this past summer, “the citizens cannot expect the same level of service for $73 million as they could expect for $83 million.”
With the 15 percent budget cut, Cochran said, the present budget mirrors what the Fire Rescue Department operated under in 2003.
“We can only provide the level of services that our citizens have the ability or willingness to pay for,” he said.
Honorable Mayor Shirley Franklin
City of Atlanta
RE: Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act
Dear Mayor Franklin:
The election of Barack Obama as President of the United States is an historic event in our nation’s long march toward equal opportunity for all Americans. Because of his strong pro-labor record, the International Association of Fire Fighters endorsed President-Elect Obama and worked hard to ensure his election. I know you too, were an ardent supporter.
October 2008
423 Satilla Church Rd NO. 101
Baxley GA 31513
sparkses@atc.cc 912-367-7805
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BI-MONTHLY MEETING
Wednesday, October 1st at the Piccadilly, 2442 Godby Rd. Bull starts at 11:00 AM, eating and more bull about 11:30. Bring someone that will help keep the tall tales straight.
INSURANCE
Confirmation of Coverage letters are not correct. If you are 65 or over and have Smart Value, the coverage is in effect even if the City does not show coverage at this time. If you selected Blue Cross Blue Shield’s coverage and do not have a Smart Value card, you should call Smart Value at 1-866-657-4970. If you did not complete the BCBS Smart Value application, your should complete it and return it with the corrected confirmation of coverage letter.
ASI, who manages the Fire Department Retirees’ pension, has received the new insurance rates for health, dental and vision coverage, so we should not have the problems with payroll deductions that we have had in the past. If you are on Smart Value your premium deduction should be less than it was last year.
Brothers and sisters,
On this most solemn day in the fire service, let us take a few moments to honor our 343 brothers who gave the last full measure in the service of humanity on September 11, 2001. We honor them by proudly carrying forward their heroic legacy and by always remembering the sacrifice they and their families made.
And let us all rededicate ourselves to our noble profession in their memory.
When we take on the title of firefighter in America, we are expected to risk your own lives in order to save the lives of others. It is that commitment that brings such honor to our profession. These 343 firefighters bravely fulfilled that commitment and we will never forget.
May God rest their gallant souls and may he protect and keep their loved ones until they are reunited.
Fraternally,
Jim Daws
President
IAFF Local 134
Click here to view the 343.
August 20, 2008
Honorable Mayor Shirley Franklin
City of Atlanta
55 Trinity Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30303
RE: Fire Station 7
Dear Mayor Franklin:
On behalf of the firefighters, I’m writing to ask that you withhold your promised veto of 08-O-1540, which reallocates general funds for the staffing and operation of Fire Station 7 in the West End.
While I understand the city faces severe fiscal challenges, the cuts to Fire Rescue staffing have gone far beyond what is safe for our citizens, visitors and firefighters. I also appreciate that your attempts to address the shortfall responsibly were thwarted by city council when it chose to pass a tax cut instead of the modest increase you had proposed.