The San Miguel Firefighters Local 1434, like many of you, is facing harsh negotiations this year. In the past month, we have already lost one engine company (E-15 (one crew of our only two house station) in Casa De Oro was closed on June 29, 2009).
Contractual talks have been underway for some time now, and are progressing slowly. The Local has taken a stance that it's members will not participate in non-essential overtime during this time of fiscal crisis, and not participate in "Pet Projects" which the Chief and Board of Directors feel are more important budget items, al-the-while, requesting a 11+% pay/benefit cut from the workforce.
The Chief, and Board of Directors has openly stated that they will recruit help from locally qualified individuals who are willing to work on projects like public education and "necessary" committees, and compensate them in a "cash" bases. These person’s they refer to are your members! In instead of addressing the issues, The Chief has chosen to step over it, and our Board of Directors continues to support his decision.
We are requesting that all our fellow labor groups join us and forcing them to reconsider their ridiculous position by requesting that they support us in not allowing any of their members to accept temporary or part-time positions within the San Miguel Fire District during our negotiations process. Inn turn, I assure you that my members will be equally supportive to your organizations fights.
