It is with great disappointment that I announce that the Moraga Orinda Fire District, Fire Board of Directors has declared impasse on our members after four years of contract negotiations. The Firefighters and Firefighter Paramedics of the Moraga Orinda Fire District are members of the United Professional Firefighters of Contra Costa County, IAFF Local 1230. Our members provide fire and emergency response along with emergency medical services which includes ambulance services for the citizens of the town of Moraga and city of Orinda. We consider this action an insult to those who have faithfully provided a high level of services with pride and professionalism despite our treatment at the negotiation table.
It is important to us that the citizens understand why we are opposed to the Fire Board’s actions. We have stood by quietly as the Board worked through getting its financial house in order. We have witnessed the frivolous spending on ideas that were not well thought out, excessive spending on equipment and programs, and the consistent manipulation of the long range financial forecast to fit a constantly changing agenda. We were also subject to an expensive and baseless investigation generated by the previous Fire Chief.” Employees hired prior to 2013 pay approximately 25% of their salaries towards pension costs, this includes paying 9% of the employer’s share. This is significantly higher than most other public agencies. Our 9 new firefighters and all future employees fall under the new pension laws, which over time will provide a cost savings to the district. Finally, the results of a financial accounting error has led to a deficit in the General fund. Now they want to put the full burden of correcting this problem on the backs of the very people this District exists to employ.
“Even though our members of the MOFD work in one of the most affluent parts of the county; they are one of the lowest paid in the Bay Area. The Board has been under pressure due to some of their financial decisions and now they want to correct these errors on the backs of their firefighters” says Vince Wells, President of Local 1230. We have seen a significant loss in revenue in many of the jurisdictions we represent. The Moraga Orinda Fire District was the last place we felt we would end up in this situation.”
The firefighters were presented a “last best final offer” that includes a pay cut, further changes in staffing, and reduction in medical contributions for current employees and retirees. Our firefighters have not had a cost of living raise for over 5 ½ years and have picked up 100% of the medical cost increase since 1/1/2011.
“The MOFD Firefighters remain committed to providing the same high level of service our community has come to expect. It is our hopes that through the legally obligated fact finding process, the Board will reconsider and negotiate a fair contract for our members.”
Vince Wells, President
Source: Contra Costa County Firefighters
2 comments
Piss off you overpaid, under worked and over pensioned drain on society. You have the easiest job in the world, a trained monkey could do it. Stop the belly aching and be thankful for anything you get paid. I know you think you are special heroes but I see right through your BS.
Remember your unkind sentiment when your house is on fire or you need 911 to save your life or the life of a family member.
Comments are closed.