I read with interest the article “Slay Under FIRE” in Political Eye. There are many inacuricies in your story.
The article states Local 73 wants to represent all of the city’s firefighters. We already do. Local 73 is charged with negotiating with the city, wages, hours and working conditions. When we reach an agreement with the City of St. Louis, every member of the bargaining unit benefits, regardles of whether they are a dues-paying member of Local 73.
I have not had any conversation with the president of the Board of Alderman, Jim Shrewsberry, regarding the proposed health care legislation. The proposed legislation pertains to adding two labor representatives to the health care selection committee. Currently, the employees of the City of St. Louis do not have representation on this committee.
Approximately eighteen months ago, labor leaders that represent all current city employees got together to improve health insurance for all employees. These two bills would guarantee that the city employees would have a voice in the selection process in our health insurance coverage.
According to FIRE’s constitution and by-laws, its involvement in these two pieces of legislation lies outside the scope of the organization.
Any politician’s opposition to these two bills should be appalling to all employees and all unions that represent employees of the City of St. Louis. I would like to see all of the politicians who voted in support of Alderman Kennedy’s police review board stand up for all city employees. Board bills 109 and 110 will ensure that all city employees will have a voice in the selection of their health insurance.
Paul E. Davis, president
IAFF Local 73
St. Louis