Firefighter union won't sign HMO change now

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October 2, 2008

By JOE LoTEMPLIO The Press Republican Thu Oct 02, 2008, 12:00 AM EDT

PLATTSBURGH -- City firefighters say they will sign off on a health-insurance change only if they get raises.

Firefighters notified city leaders this week that they would agree to allow the city to self-fund its health-maintenance organization only if they get raises of 3 percent and an extension of their expired contract for one year.

The firefighters contract expired Dec. 31, 2007. The raises they are seeking would be retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year.

The Fire Department is the only one of the five city unions that has not agreed to the HMO change.

The change will not affect any health benefits but could save the city up to $700,000. Employees hired after 1993 who pay a portion of their health insurance are even likely to see a decrease in premiums.

But firefighters argue that any change in the health plan constitutes a negotiated item in their contract.

"We believe that what we are seeking is right, and we don't believe you just put something into an expired contract," union Vice President Edmund Sanderson said.

He said the 3-percent raise that firefighters are asking for doesn't even cover the cost-of-living increase.

"We hope they (the city) will bargain in good faith and follow the law and that they accept this. This represents the most expedient and helpful way to implement this HMO change."

Union Public Information Officer Mark Gadway said firefighters feel some skepticism about the change in the HMO plan.

"Last time they did this, there were changes, and not everyone was happy."

The firefighters' position has some city leaders shaking their heads.

"I am completely baffled at what they sent me," said Mayor Donald Kasprzak, holding the letter he received from union attorney Thomas Jordan of Albany.

"Every other union signed off on this HMO agreement, which would cost them (firefighters) absolutely nothing and would save the taxpayers thousands of dollars.

"Their request for retroactive raises is completely unacceptable, and it hurts every single taxpayer in the city, as well as their fellow employees."

Kasprzak said the firefighters' raise proposal will be on the agenda for a vote tonight.

Councilor James Calnon (I-Ward 4), a member of the Health Insurance Task Force that came up with the HMO plan, said he will not be supporting the firefighters' request.

"This (HMO change) really is a win-win for the city. It will help the unions and the 36 members of the Fire Department and the 19,000 people who live here.

"It is mystifying to me why we would have to provide further incentive to give them the same coverage at a lower price."

Councilor Chris Jackson (D-Ward 6) called the firefighters response "blackmail."

"This (HMO change) doesn't affect their benefits at all, and it saves the city money," Jackson said. "This is ridiculous."

Sanderson said firefighters stand behind their proposal.

"We are resolved in our belief in what is right and what is fair."

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com