NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV (FOX5) -
The union for North Las Vegas firefighters, North Las Vegas Firefighters Local 1607, is calling for consolidation with a southern Nevada fire department – any fire department – according to a press release obtained by FOX5 Monday.
According to the release, North Las Vegas City Manager Timothy Hacker is calling for one-third of the fire department to be laid off, which the union claims would cost 57 positions. The release goes on to say this would account for about $8 million at a time when the city has only called for concessions totaling $2.9 million.
The union claims it has made concessions totaling $20 million over the past four years and the cuts currently being asked of it would jeopardize public safety.
In response, the city of North Las Vegas sent a release to FOX5 blasting the firefighter union, along with unions representing police officers, for rejecting a money-saving plan as the June 1 budget deadline looms.
North Las Vegas officials are blaming the unions that represent first responders for forcing their hand, meaning they must resort to massive layoffs.
"We are in a budget crisis. The citizens of North Las Vegas will be angry and troubled to learn that the union officials controlling the police force and fire fighters have walked away from reasonable negotiations," Hacker said. "It is clear union leaders are serving their own self interest first and their community second. We put forward a very fair plan that would save the City money and avoid layoffs and maintain service level."
According to the release from North Las Vegas, the city is facing a projected budget shortfall of $33 million and asked the unions for an extension of existing raise freezes for two years and the elimination of a program that allows union members to turn in unused days-off for money.
The city went on to say its police officers and firefighters already earn above average pay, with police officers earning 40 percent more than the national average.
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