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« Someone got lucky in Kentucky | Today | Bringing Rhode Island history into the now » September 27, 2007Carcieri, convention head criticize union picket planGovernor Carcieri and the head of the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority are criticizing the Providence firefighters union for its plans to picket a statewide terrorism drill this weekend at the convention center. The union's decision to picket the drill has prompted dozens of firefighters from other departments to say they won't participate. Your turn: Are the firefighters justified in picketing a major, statewide drill? Carcieri and David A. Duffy, chairman of the convention center authority's governing board, say they hope the union changes its plans and participates in the drill. The drill, paid for in part by a $50,000 federal grant, will simulate a terrorist attack at the convention center that leaves hundreds of victims, requires 40 ambulances, and mobilizes seven hospitals to help. Duffy said the threatened picket could force organizers to scale back, or even cancel, the drill. Providence firefighters are embroiled in a protracted contract battle with the city. They say they plan an "informational demonstration" for disability benefits. Carcieri says it's "unconscionable" for the union to even consider picketing the drill. "In the wake of September 11th and The Station nightclub fire, Rhode Island has worked hard to improve the state’s ability to prevent and respond to emergencies,” Carcieri said in a statement issued this morning. “While we have upgraded our equipment and protocols, the most important thing we can do is drill, practice, and train. In that light, the statewide terrorism drill scheduled for Sunday is a critical part of our ability to protect Rhode Island citizens.” At this morning's board meeting, Duffy said, "I don't see how this helps anyone. I don't see how this has anything to do with their contract." "This benefits all the people of Rhode Island," Duffy said. "I hope that common sense will prevail." Carcieri said he hopes the union does "the right thing" and fully participates in the drill. -- With reports from Journal staff writers Amanda Milkovits and Benjamin Gedan Posted by Jack Perry CommentsJoseph Martin | September 27, 2007 12:18 PM link How can you say how can they do this. They have chosen to put their lives on the line for us and they do their jobs wonderfully. Why doesn't the govenor and mayor stand up with our fireman then fighting against them. Your talking about the benefits for the people of RI well what about the firemens benefits? They keep loosing and get nothing in return... They are doing their job and protecting the people of Rhode Island already. They go for special training and you just keep taking from them.. Why don't you protect the men and women who are already protecting Rhode Island! mary | September 27, 2007 12:22 PM link Statewide all firefighters are covered if they get cancer..,except providence firefighters (who, due to the number of fires, are the most exposed in the state). Now they should practice a hazardous material incident where everone would be covered from cancer but them..,I'd sit it out too...It seems too easy for the elected officials to ignore the problem behind the picket. Jay | September 27, 2007 12:34 PM link Why can't the Providence firefighters have supporters picket while they participate in the drill? This is a lot more than someone's "special day". Everyone knows about the contract issue already. It has disrupted plenty of high profile events and resulted in others being cancelled (a visit to Rhode Island by John Edwards comes to mind). Why pick something as important as a simulated terrorist attack? Firefighters and police are critical and we love them for the jobs they do but the city's budget is broken and property taxes are being raised, yet again. J | September 27, 2007 1:04 PM link The drill should go on as planned,and I think by Sunday it will be worked out. This should send a message to the Mayor and the Governor of the severavity of the issue. These contracts need to be resolved through good faith negotiations. There seems to be plenty of will and money to give administrators contracts equal to that of a CEO of a company. Look at John Simmons contract ,as well a Colonel Essermans. Things like selling back unused sick and vaction time, come on john | September 27, 2007 4:03 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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Oct 2005 - March 2006
Why is this informational picket portrayed as a bad thing? I see this as a responsible way in which to be heard. It sends a clear message to the involved parties that the firefighters have had enough of the short sidedness of Providence City Hall. I find humor in the fact that the "higher ups" find this picket asinine when it impacts their own goals. I say, start looking at the firefighters concerns and not at why "your special day" may be at ruined by the picket. In other words... put effect in solving the problem and then maybe you'll get the participation you'd expect in your "political terrorist drills".