Excerpts from Oaklawnleaf.com: Recent developments in the arbitration case between the Village of Oak Lawn and the Oak Lawn Firefighters Union have brought some clarity to a long-standing dispute. The case involved 10 contested issues, but the most significant one—minimum manning—was decided in favor of the firefighters, marking another loss for the village in its attempt to reduce staffing levels. On January 1st, Arbitrator Steven M. Bierig released a 195-page decision that ruled in favor of the union on minimum manning and six other issues, while the village prevailed on two points. One issue regarding out-of-state residency will be decided by the courts in February. Minimum manning has been a central point of contention between the two parties for years, with multiple rounds of arbitration and court hearings. In his decision, Bierig emphasized that the burden of proof lies with the party seeking a change in the contract. He stated that the village failed to demonstrate that a reduction in staffing was necessary or justified. Bierig referenced a well-established three-prong test used by arbitrators to assess whether a major change in the status quo is warranted. This includes proving that the current system hasn’t worked as intended, that it has caused operational difficulties, or that the opposing side has refused to negotiate in good faith. The village argued that reducing the number of firefighters per shift from 21 to 19 would still ensure adequate protection for residents. However, Bierig found that the existing staffing level had functioned effectively over the years. He noted that the village has successfully responded to emergencies with 21 employees on duty, and there was no evidence to suggest that the current system was failing. The firefighters’ union maintained that the current staffing model not only ensures safety but also allows for a more efficient response. They pointed out that having four firefighters on an engine enables immediate action at the scene, whereas reducing that number would require two pieces of equipment to begin firefighting, which could delay critical response times. Union representatives also highlighted the risks of relying on neighboring departments for mutual aid, emphasizing that this approach could leave the village vulnerable in emergencies. An expert witness testified that having four firefighters on an engine is more effective than three, even though some departments use fewer personnel. The arbitrator rejected the village’s claim that the proposed change was minor, calling it a “significant departure†from the established system. He noted that the current staffing levels have been in place for over 24 years and were designed with both operational efficiency and firefighter safety in mind. Bierig also dismissed the village’s argument that the union had refused to engage in meaningful negotiations. He pointed out that the union had consistently raised concerns about the impact of reducing staffing and that the village had not offered anything substantial to justify such a change. This ruling marks a major win for the firefighters’ union, who secured victories on seven key issues. The village won on two others, and the final issue regarding out-of-state residency will be handled by the courts later this year. Overall, the decision reinforces the importance of maintaining established safety standards in public service contracts. Thanks, Dan Degassing Refining Agent,New Degassing Refining Agent,Strength Degassing Refining Agent,High Performance Degassing Refining Hudeng Metal Materials Co., Ltd , https://www.hudengmetal.com