CFD Being Looked At
This is being portrayed as a "double payment" as CFD has a uniform allowance in addition to a commissary system - a system that operates with 99.9% efficiency according to Ferguson:
- Chicago taxpayers are shelling out $5 million-a-year to provide a uniform allowance to firefighters and paramedics that’s more like an “automatic cash bonus” because it’s “completely unmoored from any determination of actual need or use,” Inspector General Joe Ferguson concluded Wednesday.
Four years ago, Mayor Rahm Emanuel took aim at treasured union perks that included the clothing allowance; holiday and duty-availability pay; pay grades; premium pay; non-duty lay-up coverage; a physical fitness incentive and a 7-percent premium paid to cross-trained firefighter-paramedics.
The mayor subsequently backed away from all of those concession demands in a pre-election contract that won him the surprise endorsement of a Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 that had endorsed mayoral challenger Gery Chico over Emanuel in 2011.
[...]
In the audit, Ferguson examined 58,257 transactions valued at $1.7 million over a one-year period ending on June 30, 2015 and found that 99.9 percent of those transactions adhered to department policy and management practices.
As we've stated here before, things like this were negotiated items in the CFD contracts. These were instituted instead of pay raises because pay raises are pensionable and Shortshanks didn't want to have to pay a larger pension bill. As it turned out Shortshanks (and Rahm) ignored their own accountants and actuarial reports and screwed the pensions funds for decades anyway. This was just a sop to the public sector workers for their endorsements and votes. And now they're looking to take it away.
You know if the city is going to claim the CFD Commissary is operating at 99.9% efficiency, then they're going to try to force it on the CPD and take away the uniform check.
You know if the city is going to claim the CFD Commissary is operating at 99.9% efficiency, then they're going to try to force it on the CPD and take away the uniform check.
Labels: fire fighters, info for the police
posted by SCC at 12:07 AM
56 Comments:
"You know if the city is going to claim the CFD Commissary is operating at 99.9% efficiency, then they're going to try to force it on the CPD and take away the uniform check."
No need to worry, Dean will give it away in the next contract for more squad cars and toilet paper in the locker rooms.
We out number cfd by what? Over 2 or 3 times? Take away uniform allowance. I will get every last penny from the commissary. And if shits not available or back ordered, you know cops bitch more and louder than anyone else. We'll make these motherfuckers pay
Joe Ferguson, always looking at the rank and file...........never the useless dolts in the exempt suites.
And I could certainly understand why the city would choose to operate a quartermaster system. God knows that there are plenty of police officers look absolutely awful in the half-assed uniforms that many wear, and have worn in the past...for example, an Eisenhower style field jacket, complete with a baseball cap and cargo pants, as I've witnessed several supervisors wearing. The city would undoubtedly save many $$$ in doing away with the cash uniform stipends, along with the bonus that officers would actually begin to meet actual uniform standards.
If the city wishes to do away with things like uniform allowance, specialty pay and duty availability and concentrate solely on pensionable pay rates the CFFU Local2 and FOP Lodge 7 are happy to have that conversation......
Military does the same thing so what's the big deal? You get $350-$600 per year for uniforms depending on branch of service (Air Force gets $350 because they sit in chairs all day, marines $600, army and navy somewhere in the middle). No one I know runs out and spends this right away on uniforms - more like it recoups the cost of buying uniforms, boots, gloves, etc throughout the year. This is a non issue. Police like our military are supposed to get s clothing allowance. This just the standard ploy by the city to cut benefits/services while at the same time raising taxes on whatever dumb shit they can think of.
Democrat politicians are untrustworthy and dishonest.
Have they looked at the prices of these uniform items? They won't be saving any money. They'll have to provide everything for new recruits including weapons and they'll have to replace and repair everything including vests, weapons, flashlights, and batons. The mayor/city are always trying to cheap out where they shouldn't and wasting money on all kinds of unnecessary shit like Star Wars museums.
If they take away the uniform check it will only cost them more. That's because officers will be trading in shirts,pants, jackets, duty belts, body armor that they normally wouldn't. In the long run it will cost the city more. There has been studies before on trying to eliminate the uniform check.
As police officers we better not give this up in the future. This is part of our contract. Once it's gone we will never see it again.
I actually use 100% of my uniform allowance each year for work related items. A simple pair of fire gloves $100 (I go thru 3-4 pairs a year) The fire boots I wear were $475, nomex hoods are $110 each (2-3 a year). A flashlight is $250, a new battery for one (every year) is $85. A sweatshirt, which now is our only outer-wear thanks to a stupid new uniform order are $120 each, they used to be $65 before the new order took effect. And as a direct result of said order, we no longer have long sleeved shirts for winter, but we can wear a long sleeved tshirt under the short sleeves, so I had to invest in a stack of those as they don't last long. That doesn't include regular tshirts, black socks, baseball and winter hats, pens, hot packs for our hands and feet for the winter, and other miscellaneous parts and pocket tools that I buy each year. That uniform check doesn't last long.
I hope local 2 has something they want in return.
I know for a fact several years back the city/dept looked at a commissary system like CFD has. The dept was presented with the list of what uniform items an officer wears each day/week. The cost to equip each and every officer was beyond what the city/dept thought it would be to run a commissary.
Keep in mind that CPD works different shifts, different daily schedules (10hr day; 8hr day; and for those really really lucky ones that work inside jobs 5 or 6hr days) We work 4 or 5 day weeks depending on if you are in a district or a unit.
CFD work 24 shifts every 48hrs. They have less than half the sworn personnel that we have.
All that makes a huge difference in cost to operate a commissary.
I would give up the uniform check if half the amount was turned into pensionable pay.
sounds fair?
NEGOTIATE
If we were to go to a commissary, this is just another way for the these coucksuckers to handout a crooked contract.
We're any tickets written on the recent retired fire commissioner after the crash?
it was mandatory that he was tested for Alcohol or drugs.
So what we're the test results? They had results immediately if taken.
talk about cover up.
If this was a cpd member the story would be growing.
It Isn't a "perk" to get paid for being a certified firefighter and a state licensced paramedic.A paramedic-firefighter is dually trained to work as a firefighter AND a paramedic.There are single role paramedics who have a supervisor above rank called a paramedic in charge.The only paramedic in charge on a advanced life support engine or truck company is the firefighter paramedic or lieutenant paramedic etc.Therefore,if Mr.Ferguson did his research,he'd see that the city is getting a great deal.They are providing a higher level of service for less.There is no paramedic in charge on a Advanced life support engine or truck.The only in charge rank is for firefighting only.Its called lieutenant or captain on a fire company.The firefighter paramedic gets no extra incentive pay for supervising basic Emergency medical technicians on the scene of the incidents.The state of Illinois holds all emt' sand paramedics responsible to keep their licenses.Mr. Ferguson needs to educate himself and Rahm without relying on little or no information provided probably by biased sources.The dually trained firefighter paramedic for the money,is the best deal for the taxpayer.Its also the best deal for firefighters and the police because if they are injured on duty and all of the ambulances are on other calls in the area,the paramedics on the fire companies are more likely to be available to them.I would call that a great deal.
Toilet paper is important.
The difference between CFD and us is the City will allow CFD to merely trade in their old equipment/uniforms for FREE. The only way they have to come out of pocket is if its damaged by their own negligence.....HOW MANY "LEGIT" WAYS DO YOU THINK A FIREMAN CAN COME UP WITH TO SAY IT WAS DAMAGED IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES?? That's laughable, they can pocket every nickel every single year....n if youve ever been on a scene when fire shows up you know by looking at their tshirt and polos they're not spending it on dry cleaning either lol. On the otherhand, we have to pay out of our pocket for EVERYTHING no matter what the circumstance (unless we get shot, then they'll give u a new vest). Granted, alot of coppers do still look like slobs, but those of us who actually do like to keep up our appearance, we use that money.
Ballerina boy again lacks transparency .
Cover up with assistant fire commissioner , waited hours to take breathalyzer , did he blow over limit , no citations issued .
Double standard , any blue shirt would be issued citations , maybe fired . Paddy Bauler said it all
Chicago ain't ready for reform .
Where is Rahm on this ?
Accountability ? Do cfd vehicles have GPS , did the fire commissioner ever review GPS on his assistants . I do not think so , do you ?
Dump pirates , let the IG conduct all investigations of police and fire departments .
George Lucas is spreading around a lot of $100 bill collections. Someones bennies have to fall. I guess they figure the Police are fucked out. They cant fuck us to the point there isnt a city left to put that piece of pigeon shit.
We also don't have a commissary to bring our torn or worn clothes to. Sounds good to me. New vest every 5 year boots pants every year holster jacket. We would look legit. Dont forget we need new mags every year. I would milk it and let them see what a pair of ther shitty pants and shirt costs. Hell. When i use to work i can a pair of boots in a season. Would live to see this. We would look legit and clean cut with spiffy uniforms while doing nothing. I wouldnt mind
Just to clarify, paramedics do not get uniform allowance. That was given away by Local 2 several years ago. As for the rest, I'd trade it in a second for residency. As would most I'm sure
Does Joe Ferguson ever investigate anything that really should be investigated? Of course not. He goes the IPRA route and does the unnecessary to justify one's existence.
Chicago Fire Department is the biggest scam job in Chicago, followed by CPS Teachers. Both overpaid and underworked. Democrat Politicians are nothin but slimy Whores in Chicago. Nothin but kickback Central goin on here, 24-7
Our "Uniform Allowance" was given to us in return for giving up Personal Days. Just like our 25 year "Dinosaur Day" was given to us in exchange for dropping the 3% raise we got at 30 years. I actually use my Uniform Allowance to pay to launder my uniforms, since I can't wash them in my washing machine so it doesn't contaminate my machine and all of my civilian clothes with carcinogens from soiled uniforms. I'll give up my uniform allowance when the department hires a uniform laundering service for my fire clothes. This "Inspector" really isn't too bright, is he?
Great every 5 years officers could get there body armor replaced. Just think how much that would cost the city.
Equipment like weapons, vests, lights, batons, cameras, etc., absolutely the city should pay for. But clothing? WTF? I'm a plumber and I know something about dirty clothes. I don't get a clothing allowance. Nobody buys my work clothes but me. Now that I think about it, nobody buys my tools, either.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
And I could certainly understand why the city would choose to operate a quartermaster system. God knows that there are plenty of police officers look absolutely awful in the half-assed uniforms that many wear, and have worn in the past...for example, an Eisenhower style field jacket, complete with a baseball cap and cargo pants, as I've witnessed several supervisors wearing. The city would undoubtedly save many $$$ in doing away with the cash uniform stipends, along with the bonus that officers would actually begin to meet actual uniform standards.
4/21/2016 01:22:00 AM
Uniform standards should be enforced by the MANY supervisors we have running around. If they're not doing their jobs that's an entirely different conversation. As far as saving money, the city won't save shit by getting rid of an $1800 per year allowance. With the prices of this shit, they'd lose money. It takes 3-4 years just for a new recruit to recoup the money he spends getting on the job.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Joe Ferguson, always looking at the rank and file...........never the useless dolts in the exempt suites.
4/21/2016 12:57:00 AM
Is he looking at rahms detail, they get out of grade pay and extra uniform checks in order to purchase more suits! But many look like they are spending the money elsewhere, not to flame them many coppers use the "extra" for things we need and want! This was negotiated with the unions and you can bet something was given up in order to get this!
Look around.
They are going to nickel and dime you everywhere they can.
They are running out of money, and they need it more for themselves and their cronies.
You do not matter. Only their buddies and cronies matter.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
If the city wishes to do away with things like uniform allowance, specialty pay and duty availability and concentrate solely on pensionable pay rates the CFFU Local2 and FOP Lodge 7 are happy to have that conversation......
Like Rahm would engage in such conversation.
Traditional negotiations are based on give and take.
Rahm's negotiations are based on take, take, take.
Rahmenomics for ya.
I can guarantee you most people don't realize that a recruit spends about 5 grand on uniforms and equipment just to get through the CPD Academy. Unheard of in most other departments.
Uniforms have to be cleaned, pressed and minor issues maintained. The money they receive is supposed to used for that, just like our uniform allowance. If we're not buying new (overpriced by design) uniforms, we still have to maintain them. Their uniform allowance is far less than ours but they have the commissary that issues new or replacement uniforms and gear to them so they don't require as much to replace. It's not free money-- That's welfare, food stamps, Obama phones, child care etc. etc. etc.
Mcnicholas resigned before he could be written up on charges.He avoids departmental discipline which he Was in charge of.Double Jeopardy?A great role model and hypocrite.Do as I say not what I do.He fought the paramedics on wearing body armour and threatened to discipline them if they wanted to protect themselves from stray bullets.I wonder if this known paramedic hater was greeted by paramedics on the scene.He's going to need a vest now to protect himself from a coverup that he orchestrated.He didn't resign just because he wrecked a department vehicle.He wrecked his career.Rahm isn't going to win the next mayoral election anyways,so maybe we'll see some transparency on this one!
" I actually use my Uniform Allowance to pay to launder my uniforms, since I can't wash them in my washing machine so it doesn't contaminate my machine and all of my civilian clothes with carcinogens from soiled uniforms"
Those flaming hot cheetos are murder on your clothes during those all day pinochle games at the firehouse.
I actually use 100% of my uniform allowance each year for work related items. A simple pair of fire gloves $100 (I go thru 3-4 pairs a year) The fire boots I wear were $475, nomex hoods are $110 each (2-3 a year). A flashlight is $250, a new battery for one (every year) is $85. A sweatshirt, which now is our only outer-wear thanks to a stupid new uniform order are $120 each, they used to be $65 before the new order took effect. And as a direct result of said order, we no longer have long sleeved shirts for winter, but we can wear a long sleeved tshirt under the short sleeves, so I had to invest in a stack of those as they don't last long. That doesn't include regular tshirts, black socks, baseball and winter hats, pens, hot packs for our hands and feet for the winter, and other miscellaneous parts and pocket tools that I buy each year. That uniform check doesn't last long.
Tell your station chef to start shopping at Aldi. Or maybe cancel that subscription to Netflix. I'm sure if you guys put your heads together on "sundae night" when you're watching Game of Thrones you'll figure something out
"Military does the same thing so what's the big deal? You get $350-$600 per year for uniforms depending on branch of service (Air Force gets $350 because they sit in chairs all day, marines $600, army and navy somewhere in the middle)""
USMC RAT 8" MOJAVE GTX STYLE NO. 15660X $350.00.
Doesn't leave much for anything else. That's BX prices too, Champ.
Think your figures are a bit antiquated.
Why does Rahm even have a detail? He's a North Shore tough guy. He should be able to handle himself. Seriously, why should the mayor have a taxpayer fundedsecurity detail? Ridiculous waste of taxpayers money. Millions upon millions of dollars.
****Anonymous 22ndFF said...
I actually use 100% of my uniform allowance each year for work related items. A simple pair of fire gloves $100 (I go thru 3-4 pairs a year) The fire boots I wear were $475, nomex hoods are $110 each (2-3 a year). A flashlight is $250, a new battery for one (every year) is $85. A sweatshirt, which now is our only outer-wear thanks to a stupid new uniform order are $120 each, they used to be $65 before the new order took effect. And as a direct result of said order, we no longer have long sleeved shirts for winter, but we can wear a long sleeved tshirt under the short sleeves, so I had to invest in a stack of those as they don't last long. That doesn't include regular tshirts, black socks, baseball and winter hats, pens, hot packs for our hands and feet for the winter, and other miscellaneous parts and pocket tools that I buy each year. That uniform check doesn't last long.
4/21/2016 05:56:00 AM
This guys has to be the only moron on CFD to "buy" all this crap. You pal are probably the goof ball that gets detailed out of his own firehouse for 90 days.....if everything you say is true, then I have a bridge in Idaho w/ocean front property in englewood that I'll sell you.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Our "Uniform Allowance" was given to us in return for giving up Personal Days. Just like our 25 year "Dinosaur Day" was given to us in exchange for dropping the 3% raise we got at 30 years. I actually use my Uniform Allowance to pay to launder my uniforms, since I can't wash them in my washing machine so it doesn't contaminate my machine and all of my civilian clothes with carcinogens from soiled uniforms. I'll give up my uniform allowance when the department hires a uniform laundering service for my fire clothes. This "Inspector" really isn't too bright, is he?
4/21/2016 11:36:00 AM
Soiled uniforms carcinogen wow you got more to worry about than clothing! Where do you work in the sewer Ed Norton how's Ralph kramden? You really need a hazmat suit!
I can guarantee you most people don't realize that a recruit spends about 5 grand on uniforms and equipment just to get through the CPD Academy. Unheard of in most other departments.
4/21/2016 03:49:00 PM
And it cements their commitment to the job. If you work for something, you value it more than if it's handed to you for free.
Now, is a pair of uniform pants WORTH more than a hundred bucks? Absolutely not, but that's another issue entirely.
I wouldn't doubt for a minute that Rahm And Beale are crafting a plan to eliminate Duty Availability, a Holiday and Uniform Allowances for the coming end of our Contract. Don't rely on those Contract benefits, they are not gauranteed for life. Trust no Democrat.
— and to Ed Norton out there who wrote;
"...I'm a plumber and I know something about dirty clothes. I don't get a clothing allowance. Nobody buys my work clothes but me. Now that I think about it, nobody buys my tools, either."
Hey Norton,
You don't get the privilege of working after 4pm and through out the night, including holidays and weekends, in some of the worst shit holes "above ground" areas of the City, or get to wrestle all sorts of insane crackheads over hambones and hot wings, or even get a shot lobbed your way because your shirt is clean and happens to be blue. Because if you did it would be at double time pay. So
Don't cry about your dirty shirts here Norton, go to an all night laundromat, there's on on 79th & Stony, stop by on your weekend off and have a roll of quarters ready.
Anonymous said...
Equipment like weapons, vests, lights, batons, cameras, etc., absolutely the city should pay for. But clothing? WTF? I'm a plumber and I know something about dirty clothes. I don't get a clothing allowance. Nobody buys my work clothes but me. Now that I think about it, nobody buys my tools, either.
4/21/2016 01:45:00 PM
But you can write all that stuff off on your taxes no ?
God bless the fire union for getting good contracts.
Guess drunk enough fire boss lost his clout:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-deputy-fire-commissioner-steps-down-20160420-story.html
Thankfully he did not kill or injure anyone else! " hey bartender keep em coming"
I'm showing up in tattered rags then.
"And it cements their commitment to the job. If you work for something, you value it more than if it's handed to you for free"
Tell that to all the worthless Clouted up Clowns on this Department. A disproportionate number who happen to wear White Shirts
Unless these stupid ass mothers are going to stock, bullets
Holsters, and guns then they are going to have to still give us
A certain amount of monies!!
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Anonymous said...
Equipment like weapons, vests, lights, batons, cameras, etc., absolutely the city should pay for. But clothing? WTF? I'm a plumber and I know something about dirty clothes. I don't get a clothing allowance. Nobody buys my work clothes but me. Now that I think about it, nobody buys my tools, either.
4/21/2016 01:45:00 PM
But you can write all that stuff off on your taxes no ?
4/21/2016 09:00:00 PM
***********************************************************************************
Most tools: Probably, most clothing: Probably not, if they are just normal clothing but worn at work.
I was always welcome to park my car in their [CFD] lot, enjoy a lunch or dinner where I didn't have to wonder who prepared it, watch a football or baseball game and enjoy good companionship. A case or two of a beverage brought by me was always equally appreciated by the CFD. We all can "just get along" to misquote the mutt in Ca.
Anonymous 22ndFF said...
I actually use 100% of my uniform allowance each year for work related items. A simple pair of fire gloves $100 (I go thru 3-4 pairs a year) The fire boots I wear were $475, nomex hoods are $110 each (2-3 a year). A flashlight is $250, a new battery for one (every year) is $85. A sweatshirt, which now is our only outer-wear thanks to a stupid new uniform order are $120 each, they used to be $65 before the new order took effect. And as a direct result of said order, we no longer have long sleeved shirts for winter, but we can wear a long sleeved tshirt under the short sleeves, so I had to invest in a stack of those as they don't last long. That doesn't include regular tshirts, black socks, baseball and winter hats, pens, hot packs for our hands and feet for the winter, and other miscellaneous parts and pocket tools that I buy each year. That uniform check doesn't last long.
4/21/2016 05:56:00 AM
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Who are you trying to bullshit? CFD will replace at zero cost to you any uniforms and equipment rendered unusable in the course of duty.
How the fuck are you going through 4 pairs of gloves a year? Maybe co-workers that hate you are stealing yours?
And before you go on about cops don't know anything about the fire job, my brother has been a Chicago FF for 16 years and doesn't replace equipment at the rate you do.
Also, I know you can't fathom this,but despite being afforded the opportunity to sit in a lazy boy and watch TV, surf porn, sleep, eat a meal for an hour at an actual table, work out in your own gym, play ping pong, order up strippers, wax your car or motorcycle, etc, you are at work. Asking that you wear a shirt that says something besides NYFD, some Blackhawks/CFD blended logo, something besides faded blue pants, isn't out of order. You are at work. I can't wear that bullshit at my job. Try looking like a professional.
No offense to working firefighters as I respect your job. And no I'm not jealous because I'm a cop and not a firefighter. I love my job (or used to) and wouldn't want yours. But you guys are ridiculous with your demands. I can't even get a locker room that isn't covered in mold. You want 4 pairs of gloves a year? Bitch please.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Why does Rahm even have a detail? He's a North Shore tough guy. He should be able to handle himself. Seriously, why should the mayor have a taxpayer fundedsecurity detail? Ridiculous waste of taxpayers money. Millions upon millions of dollars.
4/21/2016 05:41:00 PM
I'm fine with a sitting mayor having security.
I'm NOT fine with the former mayor having taxpayer-paid security and chauffeurs.
To the plumber and other guy that commented, yes, you can write it off on your taxes. And that includes anything you are required to have and wear as a condition of our employment as a Chicago Police officer.
I can guarantee you most people don't realize that a recruit spends about 5 grand on uniforms and equipment just to get through the CPD Academy. Unheard of in most other departments.
4/21/2016 03:49:00 PM
One of the top reasons I never applied. I didn't want to start a career in debt to the credit union. Worked for two suburban depts. They paid for basically everything except my gun and there was no caliber limitation.
Anonymous said...
I can guarantee you most people don't realize that a recruit spends about 5 grand on uniforms and equipment just to get through the CPD Academy. Unheard of in most other departments.
4/21/2016 03:49:00 PM
And it cements their commitment to the job. If you work for something, you value it more than if it's handed to you for free.
Now, is a pair of uniform pants WORTH more than a hundred bucks? Absolutely not, but that's another issue entirely.
4/21/2016 06:59:00 PM
Sure. That's why the city charges you for it, so you value it. So did the large percentage of people who look like soup sandwiches NOT pay for their uniforms and equipment?
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