Unions. The word strikes hard in most peoples hearts- some like it and some really don't. Unions are everywhere and sometimes they serve a good purpose, sometimes they don't. When they don't they're just plain ludicrous. AFL-CIO doesn't set well with most people's memories. Just those initials drums up memories of strikes and nightmares out of Detroit and Chicago. Teamsters and major issues in the industries up north. Now, it's associated with our firefighters and the IAFF 2546 Union. Labor Unions (which is what this is) were created for the sole purpose of banding the workers together for bargaining power for their benefits, their working conditions, their wages and to be able to be a unified force for strikes or lockouts.
Let's explore all those purposes in light of the Fire Department. Southern Manatee had no fear of it's benefits being changed because this board and these commissioners had been the ones to give these benefits to them and protect them. Why would they begin to go back and take anything away? What good would that do? Who would that serve? The board is focused on creating an environment where the firefighters WANT to be there and need not worry about certain things. Benefits for them and their families was one huge relief. Longevity to retirement is a huge asset for any department and Southern Manatee boasted that with several of their personnel as has recently been noted in the media.
The working conditions and equipment doesn't get any better at Southern Manatee with all new firehouses and many new fire trucks and apparatus in various stations, the firefighters shine when they go out! Bunker gear is replaced as needed when needed and they are always kept safe on every call. A new VOIP phone system has been installed and ready for future upgrades so that when they are able each station will be linked to the administration building for meetings and conferences and better training opportuniites. Computers are upgraded as needed. Training is a high priority and a fantastic facility is built in our county and shared by several districts to keep the firefighters in shape for all kinds of fires. Connections with other fire districts, even out of state and particularly with the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, keeps the district in touch so that firefighters are kept abreast of the country's current events. I really don't see any "conditions" the Union could find to make better.
The wages paid in Southern Manatee are enviable to the other fire districts from what I've been told. I have had young men tell me they try to get into Southern Manatee first, but go elsewhere when they can't. Firefighters make a very good living. They are municipal employees but not lacking a good wage, because their lives are on the line every time they leave the station. Even something as simple as a car accident, they are in the open and the possibility of being caught up in something worst is always there. They are dedicated to the public and highly trained and educated. We the public trust them with our lives and our families and our homes. They earn a good wage and the board sees to it they get it. Southern Manatee doesn't need a Union to provide this for them or protect it for them, they already have it.
Now for the big negative: strikes and lockouts. The board will never ask the firefighters to strike against the public or lockout the stations so the equipment is not available to the public just because there's not enough budget money to pay for their services. A recent news story in Tennessee about the fire department that charged for services had to watch a home burn down because they knew he hadn't paid for his services, but stood by to protect a nearby home that HAD paid, and the man's pets died in the fire broke my heart. It was all over money, stubborness and everyone drawing lines. The man didn't pay thinking he'd get the coverage anyway. The fire department had to draw the line and stand by and do something against their very nature and animals died because of it all. A very sad case to hear about.
So this brings me to the other point of a UNION! When something isn't going the unions way, and the vote is as close as it was for them when they were voted in (27-25) and the union says "we're on strike" no one works... what do the firefighters do? Do they stay home? Do they leave the county uncovered for fire protection? Do they stand by while they watch their non-union brothers hustle trying to do their jobs too? Do they stop being the heroes the public beleives they are because the Union ordered them to? The scenarios are endless and sad. It's heartsickening how negative and destructive it can be.
The Union has proven it will stop at nothing to win this election by the show of endless funds they've spent on door hangers, signs and manpower to try to overcome the incumbent board members they want out.
The big question now is: Are we going to let them win? Are we going to let them in? Do we really need to let the firefighters make a mistake? NOT ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS SUPPORT THE UNION. Remember, a Battalion Chief, Pete Donchenko is on personal leave (sort of like a personal strike in my opinion) because it's too "hot" to be at work. As a former Scoutmaster, if I had had a boy leader ever pull this kind of stunt on me, he'd be out of my troop completely for deserting his patrol! I don't know how Donchenko thinks he could ever go back and "lead" men he left behind to endure whatever he finds too hot to be around!
VOTE FOR ANDERSON, SOLOMON AND RANNEY ON NOVEMBER 2- KEEP THE UNION OFF THE BOARD!
Union Deception Alive and Well in Southern Manatee Firefighter Race
ReplyDeleteWorking away in my studio this morning, I was interuppted by the barking of my dogs at the front door. I open the door, and see a very attractive, muscle bound young man in a silver pick up truck. He had attached a flyer announcing "Support Southern Manatee Firefighters" do my door. He said they were going door to door to ask for the support of the community in the upcoming election, and the 3 gentlemen touted on the beautifully prepared flyer were endorsed and supported by the firefighters of Manatee County, himself being a firefighter in Manatee County.
Great, I tell them, how do these candidates lean? Well, maam, it's a non-partisan position. I understand, I respond, but do they lean democrat or republican? How to they vote? How do they stand on issues? I need to know this, I tell them, before I vote. We're not sure, they tell me. We don't know. We are firefighters, here in Manatee, and these are the candidates that the firefighters support, and think will do a good job. I reiterate that I must know their party affiliation -anything? Do they know anything about the candidate's positions????
No, they don't know, but thank me for my time. He turns around, and is wearing an AFL - CIO shirt!!!!
NOw, please tell me, if you are wearing an AFL-CIO shirt, HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY NOT KNOW WHERE THE CANDIDATES STAND??????????
This is nothing short of union thuggery and purposeful deception to the voters of Manatee County. So, Durant, Ruben and Evans, SHAME ON YOU! !! How dare you bring in out of town union tactics and probably union money to our county, to purposefully deceive the voters of Manatee County? And not only shame on you, but How Dare You? If the people you are having go door to door in Manatee County to speak with the voters aren't honest about their underhanded intentions
- how does that speak for any of you? Is this how you intend to manage the Southern Manatee Fire Commission? With out of town and union money and deception? Furthermore, do you actually expect me to trust you with my vote, on a matter of life and death for my fellow citizens, and your goons can't even admit they are at my door on behalf of the AFL - CIO union????
Disgusting. I will be voting for any candidate oppisite your names on the ballot--from my initial research I will be supporting Anderson, Solomon and Ranney - they haven't sent the union to tell lies at my door. We don't need the unions telling Manatee County how to run our Fire Departments. They are running just fine without your dishonest tactics.
Cindye Baily
Manatee Voter
get a life
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