A summary of a proposed settlement between the City of Austin and the federal Department of Justice shows ‘back pay’ for minority firefighter cadets who complete remedial testing would cost city taxpayers up to $780,000.
By Bob Nicks - Special to the American-Statesman
Originally published in the Austin American-Statesman on September 1, 2013
Labor Day is a holiday dedicated to the contributions that workers have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. It seems right that on this day, we review the purpose of Austin civil service law and how this important citizen protection is central to a contentious labor dispute between the Austin Firefighters Association and the city of Austin over the hiring of fire cadets.
Please view the following video to see Austin Firefighters Association president Bob Nicks address City Council.
Address begins at time mark 15:15
Video: http://austintx.swagit.com/play/08292013-565/#39
At this meeting Bob explained to Council why it is the City of Austin - not the Austin Firefighters - that has created adverse impact in hiring Cadets, including that we deserve the same pay raise as all other city employees. Please share with your friends and family - have them call and write Austin City Council and request that we get the same pay raise as all other City employees and that we return to a bargaining arrangement.