Bad news for New York City firefighters: Their union lost one phase on Monday in its battle over manpower. But it hasn't given up hope. A last minute huddle with the mayor could put the fire department's plan to reduce staff on city fire engines on hold. Cheryl Fiandaca is at a fire station in Harlem with late developments Monday night.
Despite losing in court, the union did win a victory of sorts- a sort of stay of execution. It seems the union met with the mayor late this afternoon, and they came up with a reprieve, a 30 day hold on the implementation of the cuts. This means the two sides are hoping to come up with another plan, another way to save money. But we should let you know that the cuts are still on the table.
The FDNY has lost so many, and now its ranks will be trimmed again by a city deep in the red. That's because today a state Supreme Court judge ruled the city can reduce the size of its crews. The judge refused to grant the union's move for an injunction.
The firefighters' union says that cuts will jeopardize public safety. They immediately asked for a meeting with the mayor and also that he not implement the cuts on Thursday.
Steve Cassidy, Union President: "Even though the city has now won the right to reduce the number of men on 49 engine companies, we hope that they will now take the time to realize that they do not have to implement that, even though they have won the right to do it."
The city plans to cut the size of crews at several firehouses from five to four firefighters. This is a move that the mayor says will save the city about $12 million dollars.
Donna Kasbohm, City Attorney: "I think it was a difficult decision and he made the right choice."
The city was given the opportunity to make the cuts because the union contract allows a reduction when the sick-leave rate exceeds 7.5 percent. Fire officials now say the rate is 8.6 percent and union leaders blame the medical situation on 9/11. They claim that many firefighters got ill working at Ground Zero without proper equipment.
Cassidy: "We are over the number for one reason and one reason only. Nine eleven made firefighters sick in record numbers. As we get farther and farther away from September 11, 2001, the numbers will go down. I believe if the mayor gives us a few months he will see that."
If the city and the union can't come up with another plan to save these cuts, they will be back on the table and they will be implemented. We should also let you know that there will be no layoffs, and no jobs will be lost. Firefighters, however, could be moved and jobs could be cut.
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