On behalf of the IAFF Local 244, we are appalled by Fire Chief Breen’s Memo, Reducing Overtime, Number 155, stating, “Of possible contingencies brownouts would be considered as an option.” A “Brownout” is just a soft term used throughout the country which in reality means shutting down a fire station or fire/rescue apparatus to save money. This course of action would clearly be a reduction in the Department‘s service delivery while significantly impacting response times to medical emergencies. Proposing “brownouts” is an egregious and irresponsible measure putting the citizens of Albuquerque at risk. Unfortunately, there are recent tragedies across the country attributed to “brownouts” in cities such as San Diego, Lowell and Philadelphia.
We do not condone sick leave abuse and have not been afforded the opportunity of addressing this issue in the Labor Management Committee. By administration circumventing the existing procedure in making such significant decisions, it has put us at a great disadvantage. We will use every resource available to us to prevent “brownouts” from happening. We encourage all members to adhere to the Sick Leave Management Plan.
Please keep in mind that exceeding the overtime budget has always been an issue. Typically the overtime budget is the first thing that is reduced in budget preparation, so it is incumbent upon the administration to provide adequate funding is to cover the overtime actually incurred in normal, let alone exigent circumstances. It is not the fault of the employee.
Comparisons within a three month period (August-October) are unreasonable. Comparisons should be done, as an example, for a 3-5 year period to determine if the average usage increase is constant over the years which would mean that it is not abuse, but a customary pattern of use.
In retrospect, Albuquerque Fire Fighters have proposed 6 million dollars in voluntary concessions that were ignored by the administration. Instead the administration proceeded with new hires, no-bid contracts and political hires. Now, Fire Fighter sick leave usage is the new scapegoat ignoring the real issue of experienced Fire Fighters/Paramedics retiring prematurely due to unlawful pay cuts.
