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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-17-2002 Winter Springs Labor Attorney demands retraction and appology from City Fire UnionCITY OF WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 1126 EAST STATE ROAD 434 WINTER SPRINGS, FLORIDA 32708-2799 Telephone (407) 327-1800 PRESS RELEASE OCTOBER 17, 2002 WINTER SPRINGS LABOR ATTORNEY DEMANDS RETRACTION AND APOLOGY FROM CITY FIRE UNION FOR IMMORAL AND IRRESPONSIBLE THREATS Winter Springs Labor Attorney, Jeffrey E. Mandel who represents the City of Winter Springs in its relations with the Winter Springs Fire Union issued a letter to Fire Union Attorney Richard P. Siwica demanding an immediate retraction of threats to public safety made by the Union. In his October 16, 2002 letter, Mandel also demanded that the Union issue a written apology to the City of Winter Springs and its citizens for what Mandel described as immoral, irresponsible, wholly inappropriate and possibly illegal threats. Mandel's demands resulted from a statement printed in a brochure printed by the Winter Springs Fire Union in which the Union stated the city's unwillingness to respond to their pay demand now "will surely result in the loss of life tomorrow". Mandel said the Union's attempts to scare the public with predictions of death due to the City's unwillingness to meet the Fire Union's unreasonable demands went way across the line and clearly beyond the bounds of all decency. Mandel further stated "while the Fire Union leadership might find this amusing, it does a grave disservice to the men and women of the Winter Springs Fire Department and the citizens of Winter Springs". Mandel advised Siwica that the City would consider taking all appropriate actions including litigation if the Fire Union did not offer a retraction and apology by the end of the week. In response to Mandel's actions City Manager Ron McLemore said the Union's tactic to paint a picture suggesting that the City is headed toward a crisis in recruiting and retaining firefighters is both regrettable and absurd. McLemore said the Winter Springs Fire Department has one of the lowest turnover rates of any fire department in Seminole County and a waiting list of certified firefighters eager to fill vacancies in the Winter Springs Department. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JEFF MANDEL AT 407-843-1400.