Arbitrator backs union on minimum manning in Oak Lawn

An article published on Oaklawnleaf.com discusses an arbitrator’s ruling on minimum manning in Oak Lawn, which reaffirms the firefighters’ union’s stance and upholds the current staffing levels. On July 7, 2014, a neutral interest arbitrator issued a detailed 113-page decision that once again supported the firefighters' position, rejecting the village administration's attempt to reduce engine crews from four to three members. The dispute centered around contract language that would have allowed the village to staff only three firefighters on an engine if daily staffing fell below 21 employees—regardless of the reason. The firefighters’ union strongly opposed this change, arguing that it would undermine safety and could lead to more layoffs. This issue had previously been brought before the Illinois Labor Relations Board, which ruled against the village in 2011, a decision later upheld by the Illinois Appellate Court. As a result, both parties were required to negotiate over minimum manning, with binding arbitration as the next step if no agreement was reached. The arbitrator made a “bench ruling” on the matter, stating that the village failed to meet the necessary burden of proof to justify changing the status quo. The existing contract clearly emphasized that minimum manning is essential for public and employee safety. However, the village attempted to reframe the issue as one of cost rather than safety, a shift the arbitrator rejected. The village's own expert witness even testified that having four firefighters per engine did not hinder operations, further weakening their argument. Village Manager Larry Deetjen, Mayor Sandra Bury, and her majority board have long pushed for reduced staffing, believing it would save money. But the arbitrator emphasized that any changes must go through the proper bargaining process, not be unilaterally imposed. Trustee Robert Streit, who represents District 3, criticized the mayor for continuing to challenge the minimum manning provision despite previous legal setbacks. He argued that this stance has made meaningful negotiations with the firefighters’ union nearly impossible. Mayor Bury has claimed that the minimum manning requirement is financially devastating, citing $2 million in fire department overtime expenses. However, the union argues that this crisis stems from the village’s decision to cut the number of firefighters and paramedics from over 100 to just 72. She also recorded a message urging opposition to legislation in the Spring Session, claiming that minimum manning forces cuts across other departments. Despite her efforts, the General Assembly ultimately rejected the bill. Bury has labeled minimum manning a “job killer,” suggesting that other departments will suffer due to increased costs for the fire department. This same argument was raised before the arbitrator, who refused to remove the provision, emphasizing that the village can make its own management decisions while still adhering to the minimum staffing requirements. A review of the village’s budget over the past decade shows that fire department spending has consistently ranged between 20% and 26% of the total budget. This year’s estimate is 23%, while legal services have seen a significant increase. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between fiscal responsibility and public safety, with the recent ruling reinforcing the importance of maintaining minimum manning standards.

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