The *Daily Herald* recently published an article highlighting the growing tension between Carpentersville’s Local 4790 firefighters and the village over staffing decisions. According to full-time firefighters, recent cost-cutting measures by the village have led to longer response times, which they believe could put residents in danger. In response, the union has launched a public awareness campaign, primarily through social media, to inform the public about what they see as a significant reduction in staffing levels at the village’s three fire stations.
However, the village administration disputes this claim, suggesting that the union is simply experiencing “buyer’s remorse†over its new contract and is upset about the loss of overtime pay. Village leaders argue that the union is overstepping its role, emphasizing that the village administration is responsible for managing daily operations.
Village Manager J. Mark Rooney stated, “Management is in charge of the village, not the union.â€
The disagreement centers around a new three-year contract that was signed last month, which does not specify a minimum number of firefighters required per shift. Al Popp, director of public safety, explained that the village is assessing staffing needs on a daily basis to ensure maximum coverage across all areas. But Lt. Rick Nieves, president of the Carpentersville IAFF Local 4790, argues that staffing levels have dropped significantly, with as few as eight firefighters now covering the stations—down from a previous minimum of 11 or 12.
Nieves also pointed out that only Station No. 1 can respond with both an ambulance and a fire engine, while the other two stations are limited to either one or the other. Previously, all three stations had the capability to dispatch both units. As a result, the village may need to rely more on neighboring fire protection districts like East Dundee, West Dundee, and Rutland Dundee to cover any gaps in service.
“We handle 3,500 calls a year, and with fewer people on duty, response times will inevitably increase,†Nieves said. He added that the village hasn’t yet met the eight-person minimum since the changes took effect on October 19, though the current average has been around 11 firefighters on duty.
The union has also filed a grievance over the use of three part-time firefighters to staff fire engines, claiming it violates the contract. Meanwhile, the union has been actively engaging the public through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, as well as meeting with local community groups and influential figures like Tom Roeser.
Village Manager Rooney defended the use of part-time firefighters, stating that it helps reduce costs and keeps equipment operational. He noted that part-timers earn about $15.55 per hour, compared to full-time firefighters who make $30.04 hourly and up to $45.06 during overtime. A clause in the full-time firefighters’ contract requires a minimum of three firefighters per engine, but Rooney clarified that the same language applies to the 29 part-time firefighters, allowing them to operate the trucks.
Rooney emphasized that the new contract, which costs the village $572,000 over three years, includes 2% annual raises for full-time firefighters and higher increases for lieutenants. He also highlighted that the contract is expected to save approximately $300,000 in overtime costs over its duration.
While the union claims the issue is about service quality, Rooney believes the real concern is the reduction in overtime pay. He argued that the firefighters have long seen the village as existing to support their salaries and benefits, but he insists they must adapt to the new financial reality.
Village President Ed Ritter supports Rooney’s approach, stating that reducing overtime costs is a top priority for the board.
Despite these arguments, Nieves maintains that the union’s concerns are about service quality, not just money. “The community has a right to know about the service cuts they’re going to face,†he said.
This ongoing dispute highlights the challenges of balancing fiscal responsibility with public safety in small municipalities.
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