Posted on Thu, Dec 20, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
Paperwork filed to unionize the Chelsea Area Fire Authority
By John Counts
Courtesy of the Chelsea Area Fire Authority website
Firefighters in Chelsea have filed paperwork that would unionize the fire department, the Chelsea Update reports.
Four of the 12 firefighters in the department are believed to have signed the paperwork, which was submitted to the International Association of Firefighters in November, the report said. Thirty percent of the department needs to request it for the paperwork to be accepted.
Read the full story here.
Comments
Arbuckle
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
There are only 12 members of the Chelsea Area Fire Authority?? That doesn't seem correct, is there information missing? I'm thinking they must have 12 full time firefighters supplemented by more paid-on-call, but I suppose I could be wrong...
Mike
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 1:12 p.m.
Headline should read "Chelsea fire fighters vote for higher wages and less jobs" because that's where this will head towards. Every unionize police and fire department has had to cut jobs to pay for union wages, benefits, and retirement costs. Good luck..............
Mick52
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 10:29 a.m.
Too bad. It is an embarrassment to a boss/chief when you employees unionize. Employees look to their employer to take care of them and when they feel the employer isn't, they move to take care of themselves. That said, it may make no difference, negotiate or not, there is only so much money for public service jobs and you just can't squeeze more if it isn't there. You can end up with less firefighters. Unions eat their young, if you are low in seniority you can get laid off so those with more seniority can get a raise. This may be a non story though if only four of 12 signed. That leaves 8 who may vote no. If they were in favor it would make sense to all sign up.
PineyWoodsGuy
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 8:55 a.m.
I am So Very Glad to see the Chelsea Fire Dogs standing-up for what they legally deserve! If you have never been the victim of a fire (usually caused by yer own neglect), you have no clue as to what yer Fire Dogs do! Run into a burning bldg and Search for Victims? A Fire is a truly frightening thing to behold. Hmmm? Don't think it could happen to you? Cross yer fingers . . . .
not a billy
Fri, Dec 21, 2012 : 4:52 a.m.
This reality of the situation is that, yes, Chelsea Fire Fighters are paid substantially less than most professional Fire Fighters in Michigan. Unfortunately, I believe the issues are much more than pay and benefits. Safety, demands placed on individuals to dedicate themselves without question to the department administration, and a fear of retaliation if they don't conform to the expectations of the chief. The mention that four members signed the paperwork is a significant sign in and of itself. If the unionization is not approved, those four most likely will have hell to pay. Hopefully, when and if the vote comes up, a substantial majority will be brave enough to vote for what they truly believe and need. The fear of retaliation, however, may be the ultimate reason for defeat.
Westfringe
Thu, Dec 20, 2012 : 11:38 p.m.
Boo! Lazy workers demanding more pay than they deserve... wait, what, they're here to protect my stuff? never mind.