The *Daily Herald* recently published an article discussing the growing tension between Carpentersville’s Local 4790 of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the village government over staffing decisions at the fire department.
According to full-time firefighters, recent cost-cutting measures by the village have led to slower emergency response times, which they argue could put residents in danger. In response, the union has started a public awareness campaign, primarily using social media, to highlight what they see as a decline in staffing levels at the three fire stations.
However, the village administration disputes this, claiming that the union is simply experiencing “buyer’s remorse†over their new contract and is upset about the reduction in overtime pay. Village leaders say the campaign is designed to scare the public rather than inform them, emphasizing that the union does not control day-to-day operations.
Village Manager J. Mark Rooney stated, “Management is in charge of the village, not the union.â€
A key point of contention is the lack of a minimum staffing requirement per shift in the newly negotiated three-year contract. Al Popp, director of public safety, said the village is managing resources on a daily basis to ensure optimal coverage across all three stations.
But Lt. Rick Nieves, president of IAFF Local 4790, expressed concern that staffing levels may drop to as few as eight firefighters, down from the previous minimum of 11 or 12. He also pointed out that only Station No. 1 can respond with both a fire engine and an ambulance, while the other two stations will now send just one type of unit. Previously, all three stations were equipped to handle both.
As a result, the village may rely more on neighboring fire districts like East Dundee, West Dundee, and Rutland Dundee to cover the gap in service. Nieves warned that with over 3,500 calls a year, fewer staff means longer response times.
Despite these concerns, officials noted that the staffing minimum hasn’t been reached since the policy change on October 19. The current average is around 10 firefighters on duty, with some days reaching 11. Nieves had expected a 12-person minimum, but he now sees a problem.
The union has also filed a grievance over the use of part-time firefighters to staff fire engines, arguing that it violates the contract. Meanwhile, the union has been actively engaging the public through social media and even meeting with local community leaders like Tom Roeser and a homeowners association.
Village Manager Rooney defends the decision, saying that using part-time firefighters helps save money and keeps equipment operational. He noted that part-timers earn about $15.55 per hour, compared to full-timers who make around $30.04 per hour in regular time and up to $45.06 when on overtime.
Rooney explained that the contract allows for part-time firefighters to be assigned to fire engines, as long as there are at least three on each unit. However, the original contract specified full-time firefighters for such roles.
He emphasized that the goal is to avoid service cuts by using part-timers more efficiently. The three-year contract costs the village $572,000, with annual raises for full-time firefighters and higher increases for lieutenants.
Rooney also highlighted that the main issue for the union was the reduction in overtime pay. The village expects to spend about $100,000 on fire department overtime this year, but next year’s budget only allocates $60,000. Over three years, the contract is projected to save $300,000 in overtime costs.
Previously, the village would hire a full-time firefighter if someone called in sick, costing $1,080 per day in overtime. Now, the new contract gives more flexibility in staffing based on daily needs.
Rooney criticized the union for viewing the village as existing solely to provide salaries and benefits. “They’ve had it their way for a number of years,†he said. “They need to get with the program.â€
Village President Ed Ritter supports Rooney, stating that reducing overtime costs is a top priority for the board.
Nieves, however, insists that the issue isn’t about overtime but about transparency. “The community has a right to know about the service cuts they’re going to face,†he said.
This ongoing dispute highlights the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and public safety in Carpentersville. As the situation unfolds, residents are watching closely to see how the village manages its emergency services in the coming months.
Thanks, Dan.
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