Brothers and Sisters;
Out of consideration for the IAFF and a request made by them to allow for them to attend a meeting scheduled formonday morning with all parties involved the PFD Local 376 has agreed to move this informational picket to Tuesday December 6th.
THIS INFORMATIONAL PICKET IS NOT CANCELLED. No other details have changed with the exception of the 24 hour time delay
The Pontiac Fire Department has taken the political and patient route in the spirit of brotherhood for the last 6 weeks since this has begun. PFD did not pick a fight with a brother local, rather is defending itself. The attempted dissolution of the PFD has been in the works for over 6 weeks, without a confirmed position of the Waterford local, despite repeated requests. Waterfords intentions were made clear to all members of the Oakway Eboards last week during a meeting which took place. They finally learned what Pontiac realized 6 weeks ago at the beginning of this travesty. Waterford FD has stated multiple times that that this was dropped on their lap but that they have no choice but to go through with it, even though their contract isn't up for over an entire year. This dissolution is not acceptable union behavior and are not doing the PFD any favors as they have been indicating. We have been patient and silent, minding our P's and Q's for over 6 weeks since this was first brought to the table, waiting for the proper channels to do their thing. We cannot afford to be nor will we be quiet anymore. We encourage everyone to fight, fight for what's right and fight for the future of good unions all over the state as the PFD is now involved in a fight for it's right to exist. We have to stand together when things get rough. We will not go quietly after almost 200 years in existence as a Fire Department. We have lasted this long in this tough community for a reason and it's because we realize when it's time for action and when it's time to be quiet. Now is a time for action and action will be taken. We at PFD hope you understand our stance on this and appreciate your support. If you are concerned about this being a sanctioned union event then show up as friends and brothers supporting friends and family. With sincerest gratitude. The members of the PFD.
Details:
As you may, or may not know, the State of Michigan has been putting Emergency Managers in place in cities that are in financial troubles. One of these cities with an EM is Pontiac. In recent weeks the EM has been trying to put in place a takeover of the Pontiac Fire Department. In his proposal, he states that Waterford Township ( the township directly to the west of Pontiac) has been named as a favored township to take on this task. If this happens, Waterford Fire Department will dismantle Pontiac Fire and takeover fire suppression in the City of Pontiac. Pontiac Fire Department, which has been in existence since 1833, will be no more. Of coarse PFD, Local 376 is completely against these actions. Waterford Firefighters Union has been asked not to agree to this takeover and to let PFD fight their own fight. Waterford Firefighters Union has not agreed to this request. This is union busting at its core, and its being done by a brother union. Pontiac Fire Department is in a fight for its’ life and its’ survival. This time it’s not only coming through a direct attack on our rights under PA312, through the Emergency Manager PA4, but also from Waterford Township Fire Department.
Our request to you:
On Tuesday, December 6th, PFD Local 376 is requesting the help of any and all Locals in Michigan. Local 376 will be holding a protest in Waterford to let the firefighters and citizens of Waterford Township know that this takeover should not be allowed to happen. The protest will begin at 7 am and continue throughout the day till dark. Regardless of you’re opinion of Emergency Managers, please come out and support Local 376 and unions as a whole. We need to let Waterford Fire and the State of Michigan know that what they’re doing is wrong and will not be tolerated. Pontiac Fire is only the beginning of what may come for all unions in this state. Please come out and stand up for union rights. PFD Local 376 and they’re families greatly appreciate you’re support in this battle. Family, friends, fellow locals, please spread the word. Please call, text message or forward this email to everyone you know, fire or not. This is going to be increasingly important as more and more cities fall into receivership. Hopefully with continued support, solidarity, and loyalty, we can stand together and come out victorious.
Picket Information
Date: Tuesday, December 6th
Time: 7am - 7pm
Parking Location 5168 Civic Center Dr · Waterford - down the street from Waterford Station 1
What to Bring: Any Union or Fire department shirt.
Department or Union Banner
Warm Clothes
Picket signs, T-Shirts, Informational literature and refreshments will be provided.
If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact any Pontiac Firefighter at any time. The time is now, the goal is brotherhood.
