San Jose Firefighters Hold Press Conference at Shuttered Station 33 to Highlight Grim Consequences of Public Service Disinvestment

According to data obtained from the City, there may be up to $80.6 million in vacancy savings in the City's General Fund. Since the hiring freeze, new vacant positions have accounted for up to $7.1 million in the General Fund. Now, the City is anticipating $9.4 million in the General Fund from liquidating unnecessary and outdated encumbrances. In response to the City Manager's hiring freeze, proposed budget cuts, and the threat of layoffs, San Jose firefighters held a press conference at the city's permanently closed Fire Station 33 to highlight the consequences of disinvestment of public services.

The Coalition is calling on the City Manager's Office to explore alternative cost-saving measures before pursuing unnecessary job eliminations, layoffs, or cuts that would jeopardize our public services, like firefighting and more. Opened in November 2007, San Jose Fire Station 33 closed on Feb 25, 2011 as a result of San Jose city budget issues.

"I stand here today with my co-workers and union siblings because I care deeply about the future of San Jose," said Jerry May, Fire Captain and President of San Jose Firefighters IAFF Local 230. "This shuttered fire station behind us serves as an example of what can happen when The City fails to invest in vital services and the workers who provide them."

Data shows that the City of San Jose can close the budget gap by properly accounting for vacancy rates, encumbrances and expenditures, and transitioning away from wasteful private contractors. City workers in the "San Jose For Us" union coalition provide critical services at libraries, the airport, fire stations, parks and recreation facilities, and more.

SOURCE IFPTE 21