City gives self raise, while ignoring Fireman

[Nija]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-pay07.html

To the jeers of firefighters who have waited 3-1/2 years for a contract, Chicago aldermen voted themselves a phased-in 15.4 percent pay raise Wednesday--to $98,125 a year--but not before providing themselves political cover by increasing the "living wage" paid to the working poor.

As the roll was called, firefighters who jammed the glassed-in second-floor gallery overlooking City Council chambers shouted, "No" in a failed attempt to drown out aldermen who dared to vote "Yes." The letters C-O-N-T-R-A-C-T were pressed up against the glass.

Aldermen, who are now paid $85,000 a year along with an annual expense allowance of $33,280, will see their salaries rise in four stages--to $98,125 by 2006.

absolutely disgusting. they should be totally ashamed of themseleves, the mayor included.

[Tommy Boomfiger]

saw this on the news last night. sad really. especially the way the firemen were waiting upstairs. they approved this right in front of the firemen without even blinking.

[Nija]

Originally posted by Tommy Boomfiger
saw this on the news last night. sad really. especially the way the firemen were waiting upstairs. they approved this right in front of the firemen without even blinking.

from the impression I got, they did it while the firemen were in the room... horrible. I'd place firemen WAY before stupid city councilmen...

[Tommy Boomfiger]

Originally posted by Nija


from the impression I got, they did it while the firemen were in the room... horrible. I'd place firemen WAY before stupid city councilmen...

they were in an observation room right above and behind the city council chambers. the room is almost sound proof so you could barely hear the firemen cheering. the city council only had 7 votes against the pay increase. also keep in mind that this is a second job to all these people while the firemen are mostly just firemen. they wouldnt even give them a raise due to cost of living while they gave themselves a 15% increase to a second job

[mojo]

let me get this straight...they increased the "living wage" for the working poor...does that mean they voted to increase minimum wage? yeah, that ought to justify rising prices yet again and screw not only the firemen, but the whole area.

[Tommy Boomfiger]

Originally posted by mojo
let me get this straight...they increased the "living wage" for the working poor...does that mean they voted to increase minimum wage? yeah, that ought to justify rising prices yet again and screw not only the firemen, but the whole area.

yes, you are correct. i just hope they dont go on strike which could be really bad

[Nija]

Originally posted by Tommy Boomfiger
they were in an observation room right above and behind the city council chambers. the room is almost sound proof so you could barely hear the firemen cheering. the city council only had 7 votes against the pay increase. also keep in mind that this is a second job to all these people while the firemen are mostly just firemen. they wouldnt even give them a raise due to cost of living while they gave themselves a 15% increase to a second job

I don't think they were cheering the raise

Goddamn, I want to be a public servant and get paid mad money while the people that put their lives on the line get shafted... ****in' politicans... I hope that these people don't get re-elected, and a new city council overturns this action (although I don't know if they could)

[Apex]

Anyone know the pay for the firemen?

[Tommy Boomfiger]

Originally posted by Nija


I don't think they were cheering the raise

in the video clip i saw the firemen cheered those who were "on thier side" like the fire commish. they were booing those who were advocating
the raise for the council