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.
