Kevin Hoffman Makes the Case For the Ogden Firefighters

Via Standard/Net Digital Edition: Ogden firefighters have negotiated in good faith

Ogden Firefighters Local 1654 would like to clarify some of the issues surrounding the recent punitive action regarding wage negotiations.

The assertion by administration that we went to impasse over merit increases is not accurate. We in fact agreed to the 5% merit increase offered April 24th 2006 but asked for a true cost of living adjustment of 2% instead of the one time bonus offered. This was the only sticking point, which caused our fire union to declare an impasse. This misinformation by city administration is indicative of the type of environment we have tried in good faith to negotiate in.

Much was made by certain council members and administration in the recent council meeting about irreparably damaging the negotiation process if the council chose to change administrations punitive offer. In fact, going to the council is exactly how the process is supposed to work when an agreement cannot be reached with administration. This process was agreed to in 1995 by all parties in a Joint Resolution #95-9 and has worked well for the last 11 years.

As we try to explain to our junior members why they are 17% behind our neighboring cities in spite of the heaviest call volume, they see constant examples of city administration rewarding top management with above average salaries, car allowances and other perks that the average worker can only dream of.

This punitive action is clearly meant to signal the workers that if you stand up for fair wages you will be punished. It is the divide and conquer mentality, which has been the hallmark of this administration.

As firefighters we believe in honesty and integrity as a cornerstone of our profession. Our union leadership was directly challenged when Mayor Godfrey and CAO John Patterson publicly denied asking for our public support for the proposed gondola in exchange for pursuing funding to replace the three firefighters lost in fiscal year 2004 budget cuts. We stand by our assertion that this happened and would welcome any inquiry in to this matter, as we know what the truth is. This type of back room politics is indicative of the environment we are forced to operate in under this administration and has no place when dealing with public safety.

All modern management theory tells that the worker bees are the backbone of any organization. Our daily contacts with all segments of Ogdens population reinforce to us that the citizens place a far higher priority on public safety than our current city leadership. Although public safety is not “cool” and “sexy” it is one of the most important responsibilities of government.

The public safety professionals of Ogden will continue to deliver the highest level of service to our citizens. To help us do our jobs to the best of our ability we now need the support of the citizens of Ogden to contact the city council and mayor and implore them to reopen the negotiations as well as to review the entire process with the Administration, the City Council, and the Ogden Fire Fighters Local 1654.

The city’s’ priorities should be decided by the majority of its citizens and not people with political agendas. Please contact your representatives today and make your feelings known.

Kevin Hoffman
Fire Officer Representative
Ogden Fire Fighters Local 1654