The *Daily Herald* recently published an article discussing the growing tension between Carpentersville’s Firefighters Local 4790 and the village administration, particularly around staffing decisions. The full-time firefighters claim that recent cost-cutting measures have led to slower emergency response times, which they say could put residents at risk. To voice their concerns, the union has launched a public awareness campaign, primarily through social media, highlighting what they see as a dangerous understaffing of the three fire stations.
However, the village leadership has a different take. They argue that the firefighters’ union is simply experiencing “buyer’s remorse†over the new contract, with the real issue being the loss of overtime pay. According to Village Manager J. Mark Rooney, the union’s campaign is nothing more than a scare tactic, and he insists that the union should not be involved in day-to-day operations.
“Management is in charge of the village, not the union,†Rooney said, reinforcing the administration’s stance on control and budget management.
The dispute centers around the new three-year contract, which does not specify a minimum number of firefighters per shift at the three stations. Al Popp, the director of public safety, explained that staffing is now assessed daily to ensure the best use of resources. But Lt. Rick Nieves, president of the Carpentersville IAFF Local 4790, argues that staffing levels have dropped significantly. He claims that as few as eight firefighters are currently on duty, down from a previous minimum of 11 or 12. The union represents all 32 full-time firefighters in the department.
Nieves also pointed out that only Station No. 1 can respond with both an ambulance and a fire engine, while the other two stations must choose one or the other. Previously, all three stations had the capability to send both. As a result, the village may need to rely more on neighboring fire districts like East Dundee, West Dundee, and Rutland Dundee to cover for the reduced capacity.
“We handle 3,500 calls a year, and with fewer people on duty, response times are going to increase,†Nieves said. While officials admit that the minimum staffing level hasn’t yet reached eight, the current average is about 11 firefighters on duty. Nieves expressed confusion over the change, saying he believed the minimum would remain at 12.
In addition to the staffing issue, the union has filed a grievance over the use of part-time firefighters to operate fire engines. The union argues this violates the contract, which specifies that engines must be staffed by full-time firefighters.
Meanwhile, the union has been actively engaging with the public, posting on Facebook and Twitter, and meeting with local leaders like Tom Roeser and a homeowners association. Their goal is to inform residents about the potential impact of the changes on emergency services.
Village Manager Rooney defends the use of part-timers, stating it helps save money and keeps equipment operational. He noted that part-time firefighters earn about $15.55 per hour, compared to full-time firefighters who make around $30.04 hourly and up to $45.06 when on overtime. He also emphasized that the contract allows for flexibility in staffing, which helps manage costs without cutting essential services.
Rooney acknowledged that the main point of contention was the reduction in overtime pay. The village expects to save approximately $300,000 over the next three years by limiting overtime, which had previously cost around $100,000 annually. He also mentioned that hiring back full-time firefighters for shifts when others are absent was costly, at $1,080 per day in overtime.
“Firefighters exist to serve the residents, not just to get paid,†Rooney said, suggesting that the union needs to adapt to the new reality.
Village President Ed Ritter supports Rooney, emphasizing that reducing overtime across all departments is a top priority. However, Nieves maintains that the issue isn’t about overtime but about transparency and public safety.
“The community has the right to know about the service cuts coming their way,†he said.
This ongoing conflict highlights the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and public safety, and how difficult it can be to align the interests of workers, management, and the people they serve.
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