May 17--Six Hamilton firefighters will be told this week they no longer have a job as of June 5, according to union officials.
The layoffs will mean the closure of Station 27 on Shuler Avenue in the Lindenwald neighborhood, according to Hamilton Fire Chief Steve Dawson.
The news comes just days after city council and Hamilton Fire Fighters IAFF Local 20 both rejected a fact-finders report and were expected to return to the negotiation table to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, according to Eric Abney, union president.
Dawson informed some of the six on Wednesday and the others would be told this week during their shifts, according to Hamilton Law Director Colleen Taylor.
All six were aware of the possibility because they have the least seniority, she said.
"These people we are laying off, they are all fine firefighters," Dawson said. He said the city's intention is to place a fourth medic unit in the city, which he said is "a good thing."
The timing of the announcement is unfortunate, Abney said, and will no doubt cast a shadow over the negotiation process. Given that the city has consistently "browned out" or temporarily closed two fire companies per day, it is worth questioning how the reduction of staff will further impact service delivery to the citizens.
"Our members are dedicated to serving and protecting the people of Hamilton," Abney said."We have worked diligently through the brownouts and have continued to do more with less, even through our contract negotiations. The city has shown disregard for firefighters at almost every juncture. But, to layoff front line firefighters while already reducing services only serves to further weaken the public safety of this city. The firefighters have tried to help out, but this is enough. Hamilton deserves better. Hamilton deserves safety."
In a press release distributed Wednesday, Abney said a vote on the layoffs occurred in an executive session of the May 8 city council meeting, which would be a violation of Ohio's Sunshine Laws.
"I was later told by Chief Dawson they didn't actually vote (in executive session), they just all agreed with the city manager's proposal," Abney said.
On Thursday, Dawson told the Hamilton JournalNews no vote was taken by council in the May 8 executive session. He said his choice of words "was probably not my best" when he was informing Abney as a courtesy.
A press release from the city, officials said "Contrary to previous reports related to the May 8, 2013 Council meeting, City Council did not vote on any fire-related item in executive session, nor does it ever vote in executive session."
"We did not vote on anything in executive session," said Councilwoman Kathy Klink. She declined to comment if there was a discussion of the layoffs in executive session.
"I am not ever going to talk in public about what is discussed in executive session," she said.
Firefighter cuts have been discussed since last year when a an efficiency study determined the city has an overcapacity on the fire suppression side and needed to consider more medic units since 83 percent of all calls are medic related, according to the city's press release.
The 2013 budget adopted in December reflected a reduction of fire personnel to be more consistent with the efficiency study performed. Those reductions were budgeted to take place in the middle of this year after the expiration of a federal grant, which is set to expire June 4.
"The City of Hamilton has seen a reduction of almost 100 workers touching almost every department through layoffs and attrition since the economic downturn of 2008. Each reduction in force has been has been a painful yet necessary step," said City Manager Joshua Smith. "In these economic times, we cannot ignore difficult budget problems, and we must re-calibrate our resources to be used as efficiently and effectively as possible."
Mayor Pat Moeller said, "The city is focused and will continue to stay focused on public safety, which is a basic service we provide our citizens. City council did not vote on May 8, 2013 to layoff six firefighters. On December 26, 2012, city council approved a 2013 budget as we as a council are required to do. Each council member spoke at that December meeting regarding the budget and the vote, which followed council comments. The city will continue to provide public safety at a high level."
In discussions last year, city leaders and council members talked about laying off 18 firefighters. City Law Director Colleen Taylor said that number has changed in the past two weeks after running final numbers that include attrition.
The chief declined to comment if he agreed with the study that the city is overstaffed with firefighters.
Dawson said he is "always hopeful" that further negotiation could avoid the layoffs.
Abney said he has no doubt the layoff notice is a tactic since the union is still in negotiations with the city.
"We are still willing to sit down with them," Abney said. "Hopefully we can get something accomplish before June."
Taylor said the city is also willing to continue negotiations, but no sessions have been scheduled.
Copyright 2013 - Hamilton JournalNews, Ohio
