News Release From: Elkhart Firefighters Local 338/Fraternal Order of Police Elkhart Lodge 52
To Whom It May Concern,
In light of
the recent veto implemented by Mayor Dick Moore concerning the City Council
approved budget, we find it necessary to clarify our intent in relation to the
proposed furlough days for sworn Elkhart Police Officers and Firefighters.
Our intent is
to ensure the previously agreed upon and currently valid contracts that were
mutually negotiated between the two unions and the City are followed as
written. The salary ordinances, pay
schedules, and language outlined in our contracts do not permit furlough
days. For furlough days to be exercised
would require the contract to be opened with an agreement between each
negotiating union.
The City
Administration has said "management rights" allow these changes in pay. We contest that these rights as described
were specifically relinquished in the contract and would be contradictory to
having a contract protecting these specific employee rights. We will, as in the
past, take the appropriate steps to ensure our individual contracts are abided
by as mutually agreed. The appropriate
steps are listed in the contract and protected from "management rights".
It is not the
intent of the firefighters of Local 338 or the police officers of Lodge 52 to
interfere with the operation of this fine city.
We will continue to serve our community to promote the safety and well
being of all of its citizens as we hold the City Administration accountable to
our Collective Bargaining Agreements.
