Schaitberger at FDIC: ‘It’s Open Season on Fire Fighters Everywhere’

Watch the video...

April 21, 2010 -- Addressing the nearly 6,000 attendees at the 2010 FDIC in Indianapolis this week, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger spoke candidly and boldly about the impact of the economic crisis on fire fighters and their ability to keep communities – and themselves – safe. Most importantly, he talked about how to survive in these challenging times.

In his travels across North America, Schaitberger has witnessed the ways this economy has taken first responders from the frontlines to the unemployment lines – and in many cases, the firing line.

“It’s open season on fire fighters everywhere,” Schaitberger said, reciting stories from IAFF members from coast to coast. “Throughout history, fire fighters have had the public’s admiration, trust and respect, as well as political support from all corners. Now there are those who view us as a significant part of the problem.”

The tide is very different today, as IAFF members have come under continued attack for alleged inflated wages, overly generous pensions and high-cost health care plans. Fire departments are being asked to do more with less – forced to shut down engine companies, reduce staffing levels and hand out pink slips.

“Not only are we fighting for our jobs – defending our benefits and pensions – we’re also defending our reputation from those who want to tarnish it,” Schaitberger said. “Even in communities where there is no crisis, mayors and city managers are using historic uncertain times as an excuse to cut staffing, reduce companies and close stations, go after our pensions and force us to make concessions.”

In the face of all these challenges, Schaitberger suggested that the apparatus, tools and equipment being showcased at FDIC are for fire departments that don’t have the budgets or enough fire fighters to use them. “There isn’t a piece of apparatus in the world worth a million dollars to a community if it doesn’t have fire fighters on it,” he said.

“This is life and death,” continued Schaitberger, “and I take exception to anyone in our fire fighter family who is willing to put fire fighters in peril by letting a rig roll out of the fire station when it isn’t fully staffed – at least not without taking a stand or putting up a fight.”

Promising to put any and all resources to get the message out that brownouts, reductions in force, layoffs and station closures make it less safe for fire fighters and the communities they serve, Schaitberger called on labor and management to work together to fight for and defend a well-resourced, fully staffed and professionally trained fire department.

“We are prepared to battle for the future of our members – for their rights, their jobs and their safety,” he stated, noting the work the IAFF has already done to change the rules of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program to allow the use of federal funding to get laid-off fire fighters back on the job and positions filled.

“We can’t let those who view us as a budgetary burden use this crisis to gut our ranks,” stressed Schaitberger. “We know how bad it is out there, but even in the worst of times, government must not ignore one of its fundamental responsibilities – to protect its citizens and protect its fire fighters.”

Read the blog, "Schaitberger Speech at FDIC"