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Home > Blogs > Greene County News > Archives > 2009 > August > 14 > Entry
Firefighters take pay cut to save jobs
XENIA — The city’s firefighters’ union has agreed to pay cuts and a salary freeze that will save six from layoffs.
City council has signed off on the deal, but some technical issues with the union contract still must be worked out, said Jim Percival, city manager. The city continues to work with its other unions to try to avoid losing another 14 positions, a combination of five police and nine city workers, that were targeted for cuts because of declining revenue.
Joe Mullikin, firefighters union president, said his union agreed to five percent pay cuts and to postpone a 3 percent raise from 2011 until 2012.
Percival told the city’s unions earlier this summer a five percent pay cut for all employees was needed to make up a projected $1.4 million deficit in 2010. Negotiations continue, but 20 workers were notified Tuesday they could lose their jobs in the city couldn’t make up the funding gap. Percival said he hopes to announce more deals next week week.
“Things are looking much brighter,” he said. “There is still work to do.”
A public safety levy to raise money to pay firefighters and police is planned for next year, Percival said. Economic development efforts also continue.
Permalink | Comments (13) | Post your comment | Categories: Xenia
Comments
By transplant
August 14, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this
Great decision by the firefighters! To think that some will not take a small pay cut or postpone a raise to save jobs is unreal. It’s getting to the point where this situation will impact every city, but at least these workers are to be commended.By rrhoop5469
August 14, 2009 6:51 PM | Link to this
If it meant the difference between tightening my budget, doing without for awhile & taking a paycut to save someone from losing everything they have, I would do it in a minute. At least I would still have a job & could pay for my necessities. Those who refuse are only thinking of themselves & not what will happen to those out of a job & the families it will affect.By natalie
August 14, 2009 7:12 PM | Link to this
I agree I am proud of them for taking the pay cut. At least they still have an income. Bravo for not just thinking of yourselves but thinking of everyone.By Anon
August 14, 2009 9:09 PM | Link to this
It’s not just firefighters that should be commended for this, but also lots of other workers are doing freezes and at my company, for example, we were offered voluntary furlough days up to a week. Suprisingly, a lot of folks are taking it because if it means saving a job, then they are all for it. :)By BH
August 14, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this
HOOOA TO THE FIREFIGHTERS! SEMPER FI.By Lucy Blythe
August 15, 2009 12:42 AM | Link to this
Firefighters are our home town heroes. its a shame that they have to take a pay cut. We depend on them for our health as well as saving our homes , I hate that the economey is this bad. It’s very sad!!!!!!!!!!By Leslie
August 15, 2009 1:38 AM | Link to this
That is a brave thing for the firefighters to do. I am glad they still have their jobs. My husband and so many others begged for a pay cut, even half their pay at GM Moraine but still lost his job. If only….:( But hey firefighters, great job and thank you for all you do for us!! :)By IMBECILES
August 15, 2009 3:24 AM | Link to this
“Negotiations continue, but 20 workers were notified Tuesday they could lose their jobs in the city couldn’t make up the funding gap.” This article is so short and the stupid reporter can’t even edit it to make sure they don’t sound stupid. It’s supposed to be “IF the city couldn’t make up FOR the funding gap.” I swear to Jesus, this newspaper hires complete imbeciles and I haven’t been able to find a job in nine months.By Bob
August 15, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this
I know alot of school districts could take note of this insted of asking for more levys SIDNEY CITY SCHOOLS!!!By faye
August 15, 2009 9:25 AM | Link to this
Firefighters have a “family” like bond and they look out for one another. Thank a Xenia City Firefighter/Paramedic for their dedication and service. Thank them for a voluntary paycut and waive of a raise to save the jobs of their brothers in the Department.By Ken
August 15, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this
Are u stupid. I would never have taken a pay cut for nobody. not even my fellow co-workers. I’m a Firefighter close to Xiena, i can careless if were “FAMILY” or not. I take care of me and my own family. Quit crying.By you don't understand
August 15, 2009 8:46 PM | Link to this
what is happening is that poor planning by administratiors is causing this problem. The only reason they ask for pay cuts from those who do the work is to divert blame for the money problem. How much would you need to be paid to risk your life for a stranger.their pay reductions guarantee nothing. No administrators sacrifice. EVER…By Me
August 17, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this
Here’s the problem. There is a good chance that those lay offs will still happen. The City can not guarantee that they will continue to be employed. Then everyone who sacrificed to save 6 jobs will be stuck with the wage they agrred to work for, and the other people still have lost their jobs. Why should we sacrifice to save jobs, when the city’s financial situation is so uncertain, and they can’t give a difinitive answer about the security of these jobs.