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From excerpts on ChicagoSunTimes.com:
In an effort to cut costs, Chicago's Fire Department may soon see 34 administrative roles transitioned to civilian employees, according to Inspector General Joe Ferguson. In a statement released Wednesday, Ferguson suggested that this shift could save the city at least $1.2 million annually and reduce overtime expenditures, which have exceeded $40 million in recent years.
This move mirrors a previous recommendation made three years ago regarding the civilianization of police roles to free up resources. Ferguson's latest audit scrutinized 555 uniformed firefighter and paramedic positions within the $576.7 million budget of the fire department. His findings led to a proposal to eliminate one role entirely—the commissary liaison—and to replace 34 other positions with civilian hires.
Two of these positions involved firefighters acting as unofficial mail carriers, a task Ferguson found inconsistent with their official job descriptions. Other roles included administrative duties like ensuring compliance with minimum staffing regulations. While the fire department initially moved to civilianize some of these positions, including the mail duties, the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 contested this decision, filing grievances based on long-standing union practices.
Tom Ryan, president of the union, argued that these roles are integral to fire department operations and must remain within the union's purview. He emphasized that any changes should be subject to negotiation. Despite union resistance, the fire department accepted Ferguson's recommendations for 32 of the 35 proposed positions. Commissioner Jose Santiago also committed to reviewing all current roles to ensure alignment with actual responsibilities.
Ferguson noted that other cities, such as New York and Philadelphia, already employ civilians as fire inspectors, suggesting potential for further savings in Chicago. However, he acknowledged that broader civilianization efforts depend on union cooperation.
The audit also revealed that the department had granted at least 13 ADA-related accommodations without proper oversight. This lack of systematic tracking could compromise operational efficiency, highlighting the need for stricter adherence to city policies.
While the initial steps towards civilianization seem promising, full implementation will require navigating complex labor dynamics. As Ferguson continues to advocate for cost-saving measures, the fire department faces the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with union expectations.
*Thanks Dan*
This account adds depth to Ferguson's recommendations, focusing on the practical challenges and union perspectives involved in implementing these changes. It highlights the ongoing dialogue between city officials and unions, offering readers a clearer picture of the obstacles ahead.