The *Daily Herald* recently published an article highlighting the growing tension between Carpentersville’s Firefighters Local 4790 and the village administration over staffing decisions. The full-time firefighters argue that recent cost-cutting measures have led to longer emergency response times, which they claim could put residents at risk. In response, the union has launched a public awareness campaign, primarily using social media, to bring attention to what they see as a dangerous under-staffing situation across the three fire stations.
However, the village leadership strongly disagrees. According to Village Manager J. Mark Rooney, the union is not genuinely concerned about safety but rather upset about losing overtime pay. He described the campaign as a “scare tactic†designed to influence public opinion, emphasizing that the village administration is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, not the union.
The conflict centers around a new three-year contract signed last month that eliminated the requirement for a minimum number of firefighters per shift. Al Popp, the director of public safety, explained that the village now assesses staffing needs on a daily basis to ensure optimal resource allocation. But Lt. Rick Nieves, president of the local firefighters’ union, expressed concern that staffing levels have dropped significantly. He noted that some stations may now be operating with as few as eight firefighters, down from a previous minimum of 11 or 12.
Nieves also pointed out that only one of the three stations can currently respond with both a fire engine and an ambulance, while the others are limited to one or the other. Previously, all stations had the capacity to dispatch both units. As a result, the village will likely rely more on neighboring fire districts to cover any gaps in service.
Despite these concerns, officials have stated that the minimum staffing level since the change took effect on October 19 has been 10 firefighters, with an average of 11. Nieves said he was under the impression that the 12-person minimum would remain in place, but now sees the change as problematic.
In addition to the staffing issue, the union has filed a grievance over the use of part-time firefighters to operate fire engines, claiming it violates the contract. Meanwhile, the union has been actively engaging with the community through social media, Facebook and Twitter posts, and even meeting with local leaders like Tom Roeser and a homeowners association.
Village Manager Rooney defended the use of part-time firefighters, saying it helps save money and keep equipment operational. He pointed out that part-timers earn roughly half of what full-time firefighters make, and that the contract allows for their involvement. He argued that the changes give the village more flexibility to adjust staffing based on daily needs.
Rooney also highlighted that the new contract is expected to save the village around $300,000 in overtime costs over three years. He noted that full-time firefighters used to cost the village over $1,080 per day in overtime if someone called in sick, but the new agreement gives officials more control over scheduling.
While the union insists that the issue is about service quality, not pay, Rooney believes the real problem is the union’s resistance to change. He said the firefighters have long viewed the village as existing to support them, rather than the other way around.
Village President Ed Ritter supports Rooney’s approach, stating that reducing overtime costs is a top priority for the board. However, Nieves remains firm in his stance, arguing that the public has a right to know about the potential service cuts that may come as a result of the staffing changes.
Hot Rolled Bar Steel,Hot Rolled Steel Bar,Sliver Steel Round Bar
Henan Houming Industry Co., Ltd. , https://www.houmingsteel.com