East Chicago Fire Department news
Excerpts from nwitimes.com: Dabney Scott Hudson, president of the District of Columbia Firefighters Association, is challenging recent claims made by the East Chicago city administration to justify a controversial new shift schedule for local firefighters. The mayor and fire chief argued that the shift changes were intended to reduce costs, citing a similar model in Washington, D.C. However, Hudson strongly disputes these claims, calling them misleading and inaccurate. "Our case went to arbitration, and we won, keeping our 24-hour shifts. During the process, the city admitted that the proposed changes would actually raise costs. Moreover, rotating shifts significantly harm workers’ health, safety, and cognitive function," Hudson stated. He added that the new schedule would be "harmful to both the firefighters and the residents they serve." The move has sparked widespread concern among union members and local leaders. In an interview with The Times, the fire chief referenced D.C. as a successful example of the shift change, but Hudson clarified that no such changes have occurred there. He emphasized that the shift rotation is not only unsafe but also unnecessary. Members of Gary Firefighters Local 359 expressed disappointment over the decision, stating that the eight-hour shifts and reduced staffing levels are unjustified. They criticized the lack of communication and planning behind the change. Hammond Firefighters Local 556 issued a strong statement, accusing the administration of acting out of "senseless grudges" and prioritizing political retaliation over public safety. They vowed not to cover for poor staffing decisions anymore. The shift changes began on Saturday, and union representatives and city council members argue that the new system is unworkable. They believe it’s a form of retaliation against the union for seeking negotiations and supporting the mayor's opponent in the May primary. Union President Dave Mata of East Chicago Professional Firefighters Local 365 said the union is considering legal action against the city. He described the new schedule as unsafe and impractical, noting that firefighters will constantly be switching shifts without proper rest. Under the new plan, firefighters will work three eight-hour shifts—morning, afternoon, and overnight—over three days, followed by a full 24 hours off. This contrasts sharply with the current 24-on, 48-off schedule used by most fire departments nationwide. Mata criticized the schedule, saying it leads to sleep deprivation and creates dangerous conditions. "This is unheard of," he said. "We can’t adjust to constant shift changes, and it puts everyone at risk." The fire chief defended the changes, citing Indiana law requiring 24 hours of rest between shifts. He claimed the new system would save money on overtime and improve staffing. However, when asked for cost projections, he hasn’t provided specific numbers yet. Excerpts from nwitimes.com yesterday: On Monday night, city council members passed an ordinance—by an 8-1 vote—to return firefighters to a 24-hour on, 48-hour off schedule. The mayor is expected to veto the measure if it passes a second time, which is scheduled for December 23. More than 100 firefighters and union members attended the meeting, applauding the council’s decision. The move comes after the fire chief imposed a new rotating eight-hour shift schedule last Saturday, which has drawn heavy criticism. The mayor and fire chief argue that the new schedule will reduce overtime costs and improve staffing. But union leaders say it’s a political move meant to retaliate against their support for the mayor’s opponent in the primary. David Mata, president of East Chicago Professional Firefighters Local 365, told the council that the shift change offers no real savings and puts both firefighters and the public at risk. He said he has had less than seven hours of sleep since the weekend. The union has been in conflict with the mayor over contract negotiations, claiming he refuses to engage in meaningful discussions. The union supported the mayor’s opponent in the Democratic primary, which the mayor now says was a reason for the shift change. The mayor said he would have avoided the shift change if the union had signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to negotiate in good faith. However, union leaders refused, believing the agreement would have limited their ability to negotiate a fair contract. Instead of working with the mayor, the union has turned to the city council, where they’ve found more support. The fire chief accused the council of violating state law by getting involved in labor negotiations, but the council’s attorney argued that they have the authority to set work schedules. Council members said the ongoing dispute should be resolved in court. Meanwhile, the union continues to push back, warning that the new shift system is unsafe and politically motivated. Double Head Sockets Wrench,Socket Head Wrench,ANSI standard Wrench,Box End Wrench Ningbo Anyun Tai Metal Products Co., Ltd. , https://www.eurokingtools.com