Illinois Fire Fighters Work to Stop Unnecessary Layoffs

July 8, 2009 – The Coalition of Waukegan Unions – which includes Waukegan, IL Local 473 and the city’s other unions – and many citizens descended on the Waukegan City Council meeting July 6 to speak out against proposed fire fighter layoffs and other budget cuts that could threaten public safety.

“No dime saved is worth risking the lives of our citizens and fire fighters,” says Brad Buntrock, president of Local 473. “We will fight as long as we have to protect the resources that protect our city’s citizens.”

Due to a projected budget shortfall of up to $6.2 million, the city of Waukegan notified Local 473 fire fighters last month it was planning to make severe cuts to fire department resources. City administration officials presented two proposals: lay off 16 fire fighters or implement wage reductions equaling 12 percent and three fire fighter layoffs.

Seeking alternate solutions, Local 473 first turned to the IAFF for a municipal financial analysis. Next, Local 473 leaders sat down with the city’s fire administration officials to discuss cuts with less risk to public safety. They devised two options: increase charges for pre-hospital services and reduce non-personnel expenses by holding off on equipment upgrades and other costs.

Local 473 President Brad Buntrock speaks to the media during the informational picket.

Waukegan fire fighters made it clear that the city could do one or the other or some combination of the two without imposing layoffs. “We are already understaffed, so any more cuts would likely mean a station closure,” says Buntrock. “If that happens, we would be looking at increased response times and other public safety hazards.”

To call attention to the public safety issue, Local 473, the Coalition of Waukegan Unions and concerned citizens conducted an informational picket before the meeting and packed the city council chamber during the meeting.

“The message came across pretty clear that the citizens do not want layoffs,” says Buntrock.

Local 473 leaders have another private meeting with the Waukegan alderman July 16.

All photos by Local 473 fire fighter Daniel Kublank.