NYSPFFA members from locals across the state gathered at the Capitol today to voice their opposition directly to the legislature to Governor Cuomo’s proposal to erode your rights under binding arbitration, and to call for a rejection of his proposal.
This morning, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) offered their support by placing a full-page advertisement in the Albany Times Union calling for the rejection of Governor Cuomo’s proposal and his repeated attacks on fire fighters.
Our message has been simple:
- Fire Fighters and Police officers across New York State are key to preserving public protection by responding to a call for help or emergency service every minute of every day;
- We have a right to collectively bargain, and when a mutually acceptable resolution cannot be reached, binding arbitration protects: public safety by maintaining an essential public service - and the taxpayer, by evaluating a City’s ability to pay as part of a determination;
- A joint study conducted by Cornell University and the MIT concluded that the binding arbitration process is fair, controls costs, and protects the public; and
- The Governor’s ill-conceived proposal limits an arbitrator’s ability to arrive at an independent and neutral resolution, and does not reflect the true fiscal health of a community.
The issue is gathering significant media interest, from print and broadcast journalists. President McManus appeared with Police Conference of New York’s Rich Wells on Capital Tonight. The program will be broadcast Time Warner Cable Stations (YNN) tonight (Monday, Feb. 4) at 8 p.m.