HAMTRAMCK FIREFIGHTERS AGREE TO TAKE CONCESSIONS
Package Saves City Money, Protects Lives and Saves Jobs

The Hamtramck Firefighters Association have agreed to a one-year concession package with the city. Back in October 2009, City Manager William Cooper announced that the current economic situation had taken its toll and layoff s or concessions would be a necessity for all city departments. Under the worst case scenario outlined by Mr. Cooper, 16 firefighters would be laid off.
Just this past October, the Hamtramck Firefighters signed a multi-year agreement that included totally revamping their holiday program. These changes alone would save the city over $90,000 annually. Despite that, the city is still reeling with American Axle’s shutdown, a drop in state revenue sharing and the expiration of a TIF agreement.

We simply cannot provide the level of service that the citizens of Hamtramck deserve with manpower that low. The risk to the safety of residents and firefighters increases dramatically with lower staffing levels; Rather than risk lives and property, we opted to work out an agreement with city management. Hamtramck Firefighters officials met with the city manager several times and proposed concessions that would save the city money without cutting staffing levels.

Hamtramck Firefighters President Bill Dickens said of the new agreement “in these trying times, we thought it would be in everyone’s best interest to work with the city and Mr. Cooper rather than risk the safety and well being of the people of Hamtramck. The same great fire protection and EMS care that the people of Hamtramck expect and deserve will continue and we look forward to a brighter tomorrow for Hamtramck.”

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