More than a dozen East Cleveland firefighters will be losing their jobs next month.
NewsChannel5's Debora Lee reported that the firefighters union said that laying off the 15 firefighters makes absolutely no economic sense, but the mayor said it will save the city more than $500,000 this year alone.
Mayor Eric Brewer said the Fire Department eats up about a third of the city's entire budget, much of it on overtime.
"You have individuals making $40,000 to $50,000 a year extra in overtime. Individuals who've been off on sick time, using time their supervisors have allowed them to take to which they were not entitled," said Brewer.
Brewer, who explained his position in a letter to firefighters last week, said the department's overtime is already $44,000 over budget for the year. He tried to hire supplemental employees to cut down on the overtime, but the union fought him and held a protest rally outside City Hall in April.
Firefighters union attorney Susannah Muskovitz said the layoffs will cost the city in additional overtime and will create a safety problem for the community and the remaining firefighters.
"There's no financial justification for layoffs. It's purely retaliation against the union and firefighters," said Muskovitz.
But Brewer disagrees, saying the number of fire calls has declined in recent years.
"I can no longer afford to let these individuals live lavish lifestyles in Cleveland Heights, University Heights, Chardon, Lakewood and Fairview Park, while residents of East Cleveland are suffering," said Brewer.
Brewer blames the firefighters' contract for all the layoffs in the Police Department two years ago. He said he is planning to hire four police officers next month with block grant dollars.
Meanwhile, the firefighters are researching whether pending layoffs in their ranks are legal.
Previous Stories:
- May 10, 2006: East Cleveland Fire Chief Ousted As Firefighters Battle City
- April 14, 2006: Firefighters Protest Mayor's Decision To Hire Part-Timers
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