Seattle Fire Fighters 'disappointed' in Mayor Greg Nickels

Submitted by tanya on Fri, 06/19/2009 - 1:23pm

Mayor Greg Nickels and Seattle's Fire Fighters' union have released a statement addressing Nickels' attendance at a national conference at which Providence, R.I., firefighters staged informational picketing.

Read the full post at:

http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/seattlepolitics/archives/171675.asp

From Local 27:

Providence Fire Fighters, Local 799 have been struggling with their Mayor to get a fair and decent contract, but he has refused to bargain in good faith with them for almost a decade. He has instead focused on delay tactics, verbal attacks, and misrepresentation. Local 799 held an informational picket at the US Conference of Mayors, held in Providence, RI June 12-15, to draw attention to the mistreatment by Mayor Cicilline, and his total lack of respect for fire fighters, police, and collective bargaining.

Seattle Fire Fighters, Local 27 President Kenny Stuart met with the President of Local 799, Paul Doughty, and promised strong and unconditional support for our brothers and sisters in Providence. President Stuart asked Mayor Nickels not to attend the conference, or at least to work with Local 27 and Local 799 to send a clear and strong message to Mayor Cicilline.

President Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden cancelled all plans for Biden and twenty-five White House cabinet members to attend the conference after hearing of the protest from IAFF General President Schaitberger. Tacoma Mayor Bill Baarsma and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, among many others, also chose not to attend.

Unfortunately, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, who was to be installed as President of the US Conference of Mayors at this event, decided to go in spite of Local 27's request to respect and support the Providence Fire Fighters picket. Although Mayor Nickels was put in a difficult position by Cicilline's policies and behavior, his handling of this situation is troublesome. He had several opportunities to demonstrate support for Local 799's protest and did very little. As the incoming President of the US Conference of Mayors, he was uniquely positioned to demonstrate leadership and provide direction to local government across the country in regards to how fire fighters and police should be treated by their respective employers.

We are very disappointed that, as our own relationship with Mayor Nickels continues to improve, and although we have been treated with respect at the bargaining table by him, he did little when he had something to lose. One should ultimately be judged on his principles by how he responds to the tough decisions, not the easy ones. Local 27 will continue to support Providence Fire Fighters as they struggle to get a fair and decent contract. Their fight is our fight.