Grapevine Firefighter Union Is Fighting City’s Plan To Reorganize Department
GRAPEVINE, TX — A plan by the city of Grapevine to reorganize its fire and EMS operations is being fought by the firefighter union, which says it believes the changes would compromise emergency response.
But city leaders including the fire chief say the reorganization plan — which has been in the works for years — is necessary to meet the needs of the growing city. They disagree that it poses any risks.
Continue reading at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Schenectady Firefighters’ Union Raises Concerns Over Staffing Shortages
SCHENECTADY, NY — The Schenectady Firefighters’ Union is sounding the alarm over staffing shortages and a steady increase in emergency calls, saying the strain is forcing some units out of service.
Union leaders have taken to social media in recent weeks, posting updates when certain rigs are unavailable to respond to calls. The posts have caught the attention of residents and raised questions about public safety.
When asked whether people should be worried about getting help if they call 911, Union President Ben Yauchler said, “We’re not to that point yet, but that’s why the media — the social media posts — are because we’re getting to the point where we’ve seen such a development in the city, which is awesome.”
Continue reading at CBS6 Albany.
Montclair to Reduce Fire Department’s Daily Staffing After Study Calls for ‘Right-Sizing’
MONTCLAIR, NJ — Starting next week, Montclair township is taking Ladder Truck 2 out of service when there is “insufficient staffing” to run the apparatus because of firefighter absences, the township manager said.
The local firefighters’ union opposes the move.
A memo from the township manager Stephen Marks to Fire Chief Robert Duncan cites the rising costs of health benefits – a 36.5% rate increase for this year – and references a study of fire department operations the town commissioned.