Hello Members of 141,

October is almost here and once again we are going through a fiscal yo-yo in the city of Green Bay.  As I have been working or stopping at the stations over the past few weeks I have heard many rumors.  Rumors that include things like daily staffing reductions, layoffs, or closing of rigs.  I would like everyone to understand at this point they are rumors, we as a wage team and executive board can never make promises as to what the future holds however, we have not been informed of any such cuts to GBFD.  On Wednesday of this past week I met with Lynn Boland.  Lynn is the human resources director for the City of Green Bay.  Our conversation covered a lot of topics some of which included our budget and the budget of the city. There is still some uncertainty as to the final numbers for the 2012 budget and to make assumptions at this time would be premature. It is very important to note that the city including fire department management has not brought up the intent to layoff.  Rest assured that the wage team is prepared to work very hard once we do hear anything. The entire executive board understands the stresses that are created on our younger members who may have families, a mortgage, or are looking to make a big investment.  We as a board have been through this before, and we’ll get through it again. 

Historically as a fire service and its members, we like to say things like “I heard” and/or make assumptions as to what the future holds. As a board we ask that if you do have questions about what is happening with the budget, staffing, wages, or benefits to please approach us and ask.  Starting Monday we will be meeting as a board to make sure an up to date message going out to our members.  The board will continue to meet regularly throughout the budget process to ensure that if a board member is asked a question they can give you a current answer.  De Pere, Allouez, and Green Bay are all working through similar issues right now, all we ask for is patients and understanding going forward.

If you would like one of the principal officers to stop by the station to discuss anything with your crews please call Lenny, Ryan, or myself and we will set up a time to meet with you.

In unity,

Chad Bronkhorst