CHICAGO — The union representing Chicago’s firefighters, EMTs and paramedics unanimously passed a vote of no confidence in the leadership of the Chicago Fire Department. The decision comes after nearly three and a half years without a new contract.
Patrick Cleary, President of the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, confirmed the outcome of the Dec. 12 vote, CBS Chicago reported.
In a letter shared on the union’s Facebook page, Cleary pointed out that while firefighters were battling a blaze at the County Building and City Hall on Dec. 11, the city’s contract negotiators “seemed unprepared to address any of the contract issues that Local 2 leadership had presented months, and in some cases years, in advance.”
The union also highlighted staffing shortages within the department, reporting that up to 35 fire trucks and engines are operating with only four firefighters instead of the standard five.
Additionally, the union has been urging the city to add 20 more ambulances, along with the paramedics and EMTs needed to staff them, arguing that the current ambulance fleet is insufficient.
