CLEVELAND --
A plan developed by Cleveland fire chief to manage firefighter vacancies created by citywide layoffs this week was nullified by a judge Wednesday.
According to a spokesperson for Mayor Frank Jackson, a judge has issued a temporary restraining order that will prevent the City of Cleveland from implementing a staffing plan designed to manage vacancies created by layoffs that took effect on Monday, Jan. 11.
The plan included using battalion chief aides to back fill open firefighter positions as needed, based on daily staffing levels. The duties of battalion chief aides' include driving battalion chiefs to the scene of the fire.
As a result of the Temporary Restraining Order, Ladder 42 on Pearl Road will be browned out starting on Thursday. Officials said that the engine company at that station will remain staffed during the brownout.
Additionally, the fire chief will create a “task force” operation at the firehouse located at 3700 Woodland Ave., reducing the number of firefighters on the two apparatus from 8 to 6.
If the firefighters choose to accept the concessions, their staffing levels would no longer be affected and the layoffs would be rescinded. In the meantime, the judge's orders will remain in place.
Local 93 is not expected to vote on the concessions until next week.
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