Firefighters Respond to Tribune Editorial

When the Chicago Tribune published another harshly anti-union editorial on April 8, 2016, it chose to target the firefighters’ union instead of its usual focus—AFSCME. Pat Devaney, President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, responded to the many inaccuracies in the piece, but the Tribune never published his reply. We’re sharing it here as a powerful reminder of why collective bargaining is essential for every worker.

Is Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner Anti-Union or Pro-Taxpayer?

An unpublished letter sent to the Chicago Tribune by Pat Devaney, President of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois
Efforts to remove collective bargaining rights for fair wages are often based on misleading stories that obscure the real issues.

This was the case with your recent editorial criticizing Governor Rauner’s push to weaken organized labor’s right to negotiate. (April 8: Is Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner anti-union or pro-taxpayer?)

Your piece specifically argued for removing staffing standards that have been in place in Illinois since 1986. These standards, set by the National Fire Protection Association and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, are crucial for public safety.

What your editorial left out is that Illinois firefighters voluntarily gave up their right to strike in exchange for a law requiring cities to negotiate safe staffing levels for fire departments. You implied this law was a gift from Springfield, but in reality, it ensures that citizens are protected during emergencies.

Today’s anti-worker rhetoric puts money above public safety. This is the same kind of reasoning that led to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. The truth is, there are things more important than cost savings.

Your editorial referenced a 2009 incident where a man died at the hands of a police officer, suggesting it’s a reason to eliminate arbitration in disciplinary cases for police and firefighters. Then you turned your attention to firefighter staffing laws. Let’s use your logic to explain why safe staffing matters.

On March 28, 2010, Homewood firefighter Brian Carey died while trying to rescue an elderly man trapped in a burning home. He was the first to arrive and entered the building without hesitation, despite being severely under-staffed. An NIOSH investigation later found that understaffing contributed to his death.

Professional firefighters and paramedics rely on industry standards and data to protect the public. Staffing levels aren’t just about efficiency—they’re about saving lives, both for the people we serve and for the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way every day.

The Tribune does a disservice to its readers when it ignores the true purpose of these safety laws. Public service isn’t just about budgets—it’s about protecting the people who depend on it.

You have every right to your opinion on how government should operate. But don’t forget the fundamental right of the public to be safe when pushing for policies that ignore this reality.

Sincerely,

Pat Devaney, President
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois

Thanks, Dan

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