The increased salary was negotiated as part of union agreements adopted in 2008 and goes to whoever serves as president.The article implies that Arencón's super salary is part of the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Albuquerque and the firefighter's union. The problem is that the CBA does not address the salary of the union president. Our Eyes tell us that Diego's enhanced pay is the result of a side agreement with Mayor Martin Chavez - an agreement that Chief Ortega refused to sign.
It's intended to motivate rank-and-file firefighters to try for the job, said Diego Arencón, the union president. He's held the position for the last 2 1/2 years.
"It's an incentive for the lower ranks to get involved," he said.
Our Eyes also tell us that Arencón makes a bit more than the $81,000 revealed by The Journal. Once longevity pay is added to the mix, Arencón pulls down right around $90,000 - a tidy little sum by any standards.
In addition, Diego is given a Monday through Friday 8 hour a day schedule. More importantly if you have a fire at your home or business while Mr. Arencón is on duty, you can be sure that the Firefighter First Class won't be there to fight it. Diego's days are spent exclusively working for the union.
But wait... it gets better!
The President of Local 244 also receives a stipend, all expense paid trips, and a union debit card. This is where it really gets fun because our Eyes got a look-see at Diego's debit card.
In addition to having a sweet double your paycheck deal from the city, in 2008 Arencón spent over $41,000 on his union debit card - over 42% on food alone. Yannis, Starbucks, Imbibe, The Q Bar, Flying Star, The Gold Street Cafe, Maloney's Tavern, McGraths - they're all on the union dime. Even Lowe's was listed as a food expense and that's just too weird to contemplate. There were even a few unexplained MasterCard reimbursements (view the report here - credit numbers redacted).
Some of the expenses were justified like dinners with The Almighty Alcalde, Imbibe-ing with Commissioner Archuletta or the Mayor's office assistants, and Sushi with Lawrence Torres. There were also a few expenses justified for various fire stations and individual union members. There was even a "labor relations expense" for "mediations" incurred at Jubilation Wine and Spirits for $55.56 (that's one way to lubricate negotiations).
Starbucks was by far Mr. Arencón's favorite caffeinated watering hole visiting the coffee outlet over 152 times. What's concerning about the repeated Starbucks expense, or the bar tabs at Imbibe or the over $4,300 in credit card reimbursements, is the overwhelming lack of expense justification.
A review of the expenditures makes Mr. Arencón look like he's living and partying on the union's debit card - which means that his $91,000 taxpayer funded salary is subsidized by a union stipend and as much as $41,000 in union debit card purchases. That's over $132,000 in potential income. And remember, anything that's not directly attributable to union business could be considered income by the IRS.
Look... as a taxpayer we have a real problem with Martin Chavez buying a union president by doubling his taxpayer funded salary for union only work. This may sound funny, but we kind of expect firefighters to well... fight fires. It may be legitimate to allow the union president to have time to do union business, but we certainly shouldn't be paying him more than other firefighters to do it - that should be the responsibility of the union.
On the union side... What the hell?!! Over $41,000 on the union debit card?! Most disturbingly, there's little justification for many of the expenditures.
IAFF Local 244 members elect their board and their president. We haven't seen the organization's bylaws, but we'd bet that spending by the board has at least a few restrictions. More importantly, anyone who spends union dues for any reason has the responsibility to its members to justify each and every expense. You know... dates, times, who, what, when, and where.
We'd bet that days of Diego's sweet mayoral deal are about to evaporate like a number of Marty's Minions' city jobs. But it's up to the members of IAFF Local 244 to hold their leaders accountable and to demand justification for spending their dues.
106 comments:
That goes to show what a crock Mayor Martin Chavez really is, he will pay any amount of taxpayer money to stay in office. However, that did not work for him this time. Where are your friends now Marty? Try the Berry Camp. Just think how much the city can save once it eliminates all these sweet Marty deals. Chief Ortega thought this deal to Diego was a bunch of crap, but Mayor Marty did not let the chief stop it when he tried. The Mayor shoved it down his throat. The Chief told the Mayor it was way wrong and illegal, it set a poor example for fire fighters, but Diego had more power than our Chief via the Mayor. Diego was the Fire Chief for all intensiive purposes. Diego even works on the County's BCFD employment issues, now that's wrong. City employee getting paid triple to also work on County Fire issues. That's right, do your home work and you will see he works over there too. The new honset Mayor needs to jerk that salary before Diego gets his high three. It's just amazing how corrupt Mayor Chavez was while he was in power! Thank goodness he is finished in politics. I can't wait for the police to pick that little troll up drunk, as he is always drinking at local bars. Another perk gone, no more police drivers on city tax payer money or Police Commander's to take care of Marty's parking tickets. The ride is over Marty and you have spent enough of our hard earned money!
It is a thankless job that no one really wants. If you want the job then go run for office and quit complaining. As the union president they are on call 24/7 for any issue. Are they paid extra when they come out? I am sure that they are not so they have a lot of respnsibilities so I think the amount of time the union presidents put in and the responsibility they have is worth his salary.
This is just another example of a city employee taking advantage of the system. They feel entitled to be clutoness with not only taxpayer money but a collosal waste of the firefighters union dues.It's the typical 'Patron' bullshit system in spades,that has kept New Mexico in the third world for decades if not generations. Manny Aaragon would be proud.
Do these people know that this behavior is wrong.? Do they ever go to church?
Gee, Marty. I hope your $37,000 back 'injury' heals as soon as you leave office. As I recall the Journal and the TV stations showed Margaret Chavez de Aragon saving the home and the kids during the Bosque fires. Marty was nowhere to be seen.
Where was Marty during the fire? He and Big Bill were on the state jet flying back from a 'trade mission' in Chihuahua!
How did Marty REALLY hurt his back? ha ha.
seems that the feds would be interested in this arrangement!
4% + 4% + 7% while the rest of the city got nothing... they should give Diego more than 91 k he got 700 people 15% over 3 years Why are the white shirts mad now and not 2 years ago?
I either missed it or it wasn't on the "report" of expenditures provided to the "Eye"...? 2 payments were made with Local 244 monies to quash a warrant, and for bail money for one individual in December of 2007.
P.S. The "report" that was provided to the "Eye" was not an official report. The "Official" report is still coming from the Union Accountant, and by their calculations this person paid the Union back for the warrant but YOU ARE STILL DELINQUENT IN PAYING BACK FOR BAILING YOU OUT OF JAIL.
This is all the dirty work of Pat Chavez (Buddha). He's been trying to be Union president forever. He'll stop at nothing to get this position, even discrediting a man who has done so much for Iaff 244. If he was really honest about everything, he would tell you how he and former union president, Chris Blackmon, raided the union funds and didn't have the balls to allow any copy of expenditures to be released. If you dared approach these guys about expenditures, the profanities these these guys would unleash would embarrass the devil. At least Diego was man enough to release the information. Maybe it doesn't look right,but I'll bet all of it was spent on or for the membership. Buddha is in bed with Chief Ortega, Sadberry, Garcia and Sears.There is no doubt, they put him up to this and he was more than willing to do it. Shame on you Pat. I would rather he fight them than be in bed with them!
Unlike the last post, I will be happy to tell you my name. I am Tim O’Brien a Fire fighter for Bernalillo County and one of four Trustees for IAFF local 244. My jobs only requirement as a member of the executive board is to review and validate all the finances of this union. There are number of facts that that are wrong with your article.
1.The data you are showing is over a year old and out of date! There are some documentation mistakes, but they have been corrected in 2009.
2.The Finance committee (which includes the trustees), requires that President Diego provide proper documentation on all purchases in 2009. I have physically looked at every receipt in 2009. Nearly everything is documented correctly now. The 2008 document you posted is something the treasure created and IS NOT complete. The 2008 final report is not complete and has not been approved by the finance committee yet since the data was given to an outside audit CPA. I assure you the final report will show more detailed information.
3.The Union only uses a debt card for our purchases. Any other form of purchase must have a receipt sent into the union office with proper documentation before a reimbursement check is written.
4.Member of Local 244 are allowed to review any and all expenses at the union hall. Executive board members are required, and can account for all expenses for the purpose of our members.
5.The spread sheet you show is a listing of every item purchased under the debt card. $41,000 in reimbursements being attached to President Diego’s salary as income is incorrect. Most of the actual receipts themselves have names of who was at the meeting, what it was for, and what category the item falls into for finance committee tracking.
6.The president is required to work 8-5 M-F. He works at night, on weekends doing the business of Local 244, fire administration, and meeting with our members on issues as they relate to our job. That includes Labor Relations, Administration of Local 244, Human Resources related issues, Personal matters of all types that relate to our firefighting jobs, international and state firefighting issues for the fire labor, and the political action committee. Many of the receipts show that he is out well into the evening meeting with all the above parties. The president does have a wife and kids that he leaves the at all hours to do the bidding of the Local 244 membership.
7.Working for the county? When you call 911 the public does not care who shows up to the door. All they care about is that a firefighter shows up. When the city and county were talking about merging administrations together that is when the city and the county union merged together to form Local 244. President Diego negotiates with both the city and the county administrations because both agencies support and respond to the incident not political boundaries. For that reason he assists the county chapter member with guidance on these matters as they relate to firefighter safety, and contract negotiations. The county members have a chapter vice president position and staff to deal with most of our issues that relate to the county members of the union. Yes there is some overlap, but the city tax payers’ benefit from an informed union president who understands the tax payer needs and shortfalls in both the city and county administration. Continued…
8.Chief Ortega may not have indorsed the MOU, but I sure do see his name on many of the receipts for labor relation meetings paid for by our membership.
9.Many of the HR issues that would otherwise require legal fees of the city or county are reduced because President Diego is able to get all the facts and parties together to resolve issues before they go to litigation. This is a huge savings to the tax payers and helps the union membership as a whole grow from lessons learned.
10.All members of the union have access to the by-laws and collective bargaining agreements at the membership web site.
I am disappointed that some of “your eyes” feel that there are problems. Some mistakes were made. There is always room for growth in any organization. Corrections have been made since 2008. Members of the union that have issues with any expenditures are encouraged to get involved, attend your monthly meeting, and contact a union trustee for justification of all expenses. If the public has a question, feel free to call locals 244 office. Our website is www.IAFF244.org. Phone numbers for everyone are on the web site. Regards, Tim O’Brien Trustee Local 244.
Maybe Conrad was flying the helicopter Marty was jumping fences to get on. haaaa
Was the eye given this "unofficial finance report" by any members of the Union Board or it's Accountant? If not, did the source of the document have any business handing over "Unofficial" Union documents to be placed on a public forum. Sounds like there may be a rat amongst the union members.
Give me a break....why the hell would a Fire union president need to be contacted after hours? What could that emergency be?
/if the union bailed someone out of jail..that is a total no no...and if they did not pay it back heads should roll.....who ever approved the bail money you had better resign ,befor we find out...
Gee, we thought it was just dirty cops in the Chief's Office. AFD really has some serious corruption issues also!
Anyone interested in what Diego has to say should check out the Union website at iaff244.org
Give me a break....why the hell would a Fire union president need to be contacted after hours? What could that emergency be?
November 17, 2009 1:21:00 PM MST
Well... The Local 244 President does get called after hours for many things such as (Union Brothers/Sisters dire Emergent Medical situations, death in the families, suicides and, after hours emrgency City council meetings, State Legislative last minute/ditch efforts that would affect Fire etc, etc).
I know what you are insinuating at with your snide back handed remark, and YES Diego has been called unfortunately for those issues too!
I think Diego, and Albuquerque Area Firefighters Local 244 proudest moment to date was last year in Santa Fe at the Legislative Session when they successfully lobbied for EVERY PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT IN THE STATE and Preserved 20 year retirement for ALL.
For those of you that were not there working/lobbying, and talking with State Senators late into the night(APD, and BCSO) to name a few. Local 244 stood up and lobbied for ALL to ensure they were represented, and had a voice at the table, to ensure the State did not pass a 25 year PERA retirement on new hires in Public Safety (Police/Fire/Corrections).
The Second was again a Santa Fe Legislative Session all hours of the day/night lobbying for Presumptive Causation.
I'm well aware this site is a(n) APD blog, but before you bash Diego, and AFD Brothers/Sisters please contact your former Union President (Ron Olivias), and members of that Eboard at the time and ask them if they were in Santa Fe for any of these issues that were mentioned.
AFD does have it's issues. We know this, and are working to identify them and correct them.
To our Brother, and Sisters in Law Enforcement... AFD will always have your Best interest at heart, and we respect all of you. Every member of Local 244 looks forward to working along side you, and with you,serving the Public not against you.
Thank You, Proud Local 244 Member
As the wife of an Albuquerque Firefighter, I would respectfully ask that all you anonymous people out there stop with the name calling. It is disrespectful, and it solves nothing. Thank you Firefighter O’Brien for being up front about who you are and what you do. I appreciate the fact that all the expenditures are looked at by the finance committee, I’m sure that provides some accountability and oversight. And getting an outside audit is certainly a good idea. I do have some questions though. It’s November of 2009. Why are you just now getting around to an audit for 2008? Who is the auditing firm? There are different kinds of CPA’s. Having an “outside CPA” (hired by Diego) looking at the books is quite different than an independent professional auditing firm (that specializes in non profits) doing a complete audit. And why all the bar tabs for several hundred dollars? Diego, the only way to clear this up is to be honest, forthright and transparent. Anything less makes you look guilty.
And by the way, did you bail someone out of jail?
Diego is going to be lost without Marty the troll.
That's a lot of free meals! And coffee.
The union is corrupt -- the newly elected president of the clerical union said flat out she was going to use union dues to fund trips, hotels, etc. BUT when you call her for help on personnel issues she does not return phone calls or respond to emails. I suggest we all fill out the paper work to STOP PAYING UNION DUES IN JANUARY!! Good Riddance-they're all corrupt, not just Diego. EYE can you investigate all the shanannigans (not a family from Ireland haha :-)!! going on at the Union??
As the wife of an Albuquerque Firefighter, I would respectfully ask that all you anonymous people out there stop with the name calling. It is disrespectful, and it solves nothing. Thank you Firefighter O’Brien for being up front about who you are and what you do.
November 17th, 2009 3:33:00 PM MST
Umm... "Anonymous" is a strange first/last name for a Wife.
I guess transparency, and honesty is only for the rest of us, and NOT YOU! I missed it where you signed your name to your post.
I don't believe your who your representing yourself to be, and please save us all with intellectual masterbation of CPA's/Audits. Local 244 will be guided by it's dues paying members.
Your "Husband" I'm sure is a fine man. Please tell "Mr. Anonymous" if he has any questions, concerns, and or comments. the General Union Meetings are the 2nd Thursday of every month. That is the proper venue for him to air his concerns.
Thank You! I will remain "Anonymous"... Hey, maybe we are related?
Boy is it good to be the king, or should I say to know the King (Marty Chavez)
You guys are missing the point. Lets just all agree that Diego works hard, gets called after hours, does things that nobody else in the history of Unions has ever done, and leaps tall buildings with a single bound. If that justifies 91K, let the Union pay it. And what in the HELL could he possibly be doing that justifies all those bar tabs? Diego is taking you guys for a ride and you don’t even see it. I thought Firefighters were smarter than that.
"You ain't lived til you had a silicone on maple with a smear. Now that's a sandwich."
-Diego Arencon
" Anonymous said...
That's a lot of free meals! And coffee.
November 17, 2009 4:01:00 PM MST"
And beer... Look at all those bar tabs... I wonder what sort of Labor Relations went on at The Library and Imbibe and The Q bar... I find it stunning that union dues are being used for a good time at the expense of the membership.
Also how is it that the City is paying 100% of his salary when he works the county side of the union also?
I don't believe for a second that "firefighter's wife" is actually who they say they are. Why are you anonymous then? You take some pretty hard shots at our president, why? You are doing the same thing you that you were criticizing, only being less honest about it. It's really none of your affair (my wife let's me fend for myself). This is the best representation we could have. Diego's transparancy with the members is unprecedented. Like Tim said, there is room for growth in any organization and that's what this president and executive board are striving for. That's more than can be said about the chief and his cronies. They have been very ineffective as leaders and they are trying to lay this on Diego's doorstep. Bravo for Diego's and the e-board's efforts!
Everyone has problems, fix it and get a life!
who got bailed out of jail??? we need a name and date.....if someone knows tell us...and the membership wil take from there...so someone please tell who and when.....
This blog is not called Eye on APD it is called Eye on Albuquerque idiot, and if you didn't know AFD is in Albuquerque.
The IAFF Local 244 finance committee consists of local members voted into the following offices: general treasure, two trustees from the city and two from the county chapters respectfully. They are entrusted members of the union tasked by the membership to review all finances. We approve and disapprove all ledger activities, and make recommendations for future changes. We are improving and growing as a department and union every year. The outside audit only validates the income and outgoing expenditures making sure our treasure has logged everything for tax purposes. In the end, we will have the general membership validate that we have done our job and approve the books. If the membership wants a change in the way we do business, they can make a motion to override any and all E-board, and committee decisions at a general meeting.
To the firefighters wife: your husband may visit the union hall to review the receipts with President Diego or a trustee to get answers to your meals/bar tab expense question. Unfortunately, if you want face time with certain people in government you have to wine and dine them. We get a lot of face time because people like to go out and eat including Starbucks. We do whatever gets the job done on behalf of our membership and other public safety agencies.
We as firefighters strive to live to a higher standard. People will and do make mistakes. Our job can be very stressful with the hours we work. This is still the USA where a person is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. We don’t normally leave our own members in jail. They always pay us back. I have seen all those payments clear our account. We make sure they get their day in court and I would rather bail them out and get them the help they obviously need. This is the will of the general membership until they vote to change policy. If a union member has questions you may call my union supplied cell phone found at www.iafflocal244.org. Regards, County Trustee Tim O’Brien
Looks like every last dollar will be taken by this Mayor.
The Eye on Albuquerque is the worst thing that has happened to public safety in Albuquerque. The only thing this site does is pit officer against officer and now firefighter against firefighter.
If members of a force hate each other, how can they protect residents of our city? Would you enter a burning building to save the life of your enemy? Would you take a bullet for your enemy? If you won’t protect each other, will you protect us?
How would people, who read this site, feel if there was a forum that allowed our soldiers to publicly scorn each other in Iraq? The moral of the force would put our troops at risk. This would in turn put our national security at risk.
They Eye puts our first responders at risk, and in turn, they put the women, men, and CHILDREN of Albuquerque at risk.
Our brave first responders need to stop responding to anything written on this blog. Protect your brothers and sisters.
It is called free speech and is what the folks in the Armed Services are there to fight for,so for that thank you to all of them. Grow up, the men and women of APD do protect the community and can do so and have an opinion at the same time. If the site bothers anyone a better suggestion would be for people to never come back to this site rather than to come here a tell people to not respond.
There are plenty of blogs where soldiers bitch also. Blogs sometimes hold truth, sometimes hold BS. Be grown up enough to know the difference. You can cry all you want, but they are here to stay so cope with it. Whining about the Eye will not get you anywhere.
As a union member of IAFF local 244 I have no problem with how my dues are spent by Diego or any member of the E board.
I do find it interesting how this article is done one month before the union election in which Pat Chavez has been elected to run for union president. Also that the article uses the numbers and reports that Pat Chavez carries to every union meeting and has repeadily questioned the e-board on.
In case you are not familar with Pat Chaves he was the one seen on TV once being arrested for challenging APD while drunk and disorderly trying to use his status as an AFD firemen to intimidate them.
Your a funny guy Pat!
Pat Chavez is doing the "dirty work" of a few White Shirts (Ortega,Sadberry, Garcia, and Sears).
They (White Shirts) think because Berry won the Election, Albuquerque Area Firefighters Local 244 will be reduced to what it was prior to Diegos tenure (John Garcia) style of leadership... NONE!
The big difference under Diegos leadership is he is engaged with the membership, and he has their interest at heart. He may not always achieve every members wishes, or wants but it's not do to lack of trying.
The fact is Membership is up. 100% involvment. The IAFF International (President Schaitenburg) has been here more now than ever before, he has the ear, of The Mayor/Public Safety Chief, City Councilors, State Reps/Senators.
Local 244 has a voice at the Negotiations table on par with APD. Local 244 has never had that, EVER! It's evident in the contract, labor relations, staffing, equipment, safety standards.
Every member has a choice on December 7th, 2009!
You can't have a voice if you don't show up, and make the choice!
I support Diego, and our Eboard.
Thank You!
I am sure Barry's will keep them all employed and might even promote them.
I dont see anyone saying the local news stations put are first responders at risk even though half their sotries are bullshit and used for ratings. The Eye gives people a place to vent. If you dont like it, then read the funnies in the paper. Somethings are true and some are not. It like the bullshit news stories in this town. You have to decide for yourself whats factual. Why do you thing the city just hired two communication employees. They have to make sure you get the right bullshit to keep you happy. If everyone told the truth you wouldn't need all these communications employees in city and state government. GET IT!
The Eye at least gives people an opportunity to voice their opinions beyond their own trusted circle. If city politics weren't so vindictive and ridiculous, maybe open discussion would be encouraged. As it is everyone has to run around keeping quiet. Thank you Eye!
Pat Chavez, your a very foolish man. You have sold your soul and the Union down the river. Either you, Dave Chavez or Skip gave this information out to the public to score brownie points and it is dispicable. The venom you guys are spreading gives more credence to Diego's and the the e-board's leadership.
We should never be airing our laundry out in public, especially if everything has been done properly.
In addition, firefighter's wife, if you are not paying dues, you have no right to ask any questions, much less get answers, regarding this matter.
Wow! It’s disserting that this matter has gotten to the point where I have to defend my actions and justify my character by responding to this “blog”. However, based on the numerous misconceptions, I feel it is necessary to clarify certain issues. First of all, I do not need to nor would I want to hide behind a moniker of “anonymous”. I have no problem identifying myself. At this time, I will attempt to answer questions posed by readers of the blog. Those of you who post simply to make accusations, I will not address your derogatory comments. It is true that I made the decision to run against Diego for Union President. This decision was mine and mine alone. Over the course of the past eight years, I have watched our Union make decisions that I felt, were at times, very questionable. Thus, I decided it was time for a change. Yes, I have made mistakes in the past (as have many of us) and have paid for those mistakes. I am not here to a point finger at any particular individual or single anyone out. I am simply trying to inform the uninformed and hold others accountable for their actions. This, however, has been taken out of context and has been construed as a personal attack against certain individuals. If these individuals have nothing to hide, then why are they taking this as a personal attack?
Furthermore, let me take this opportunity to answer the question that is on the minds of many people and to set the record straight. I did not provide the information that was referenced in the article to the “EYE”. I do feel, however, that the article was very well written and made several valid factual points. However, what I currently find disturbing are the previous articles which have been written that misleads the public on certain issues.
Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to ask all members of Local 244 to have a voice and get involved. Speak up and ask questions -- become better informed. This is your right as a Union member. A single voice stands alone; many voices united become a force to be reckoned with. Additionally, I ask that you contact a current E-Board member to get first-hand the facts regarding the accusation that I raided union coffers. It will be confirmed that during my time as a board member, I had no access to any of the financial accounts.
Finally, I want to leave you with this thought -- Why would so many people go to such great lengths to prevent me from running against Diego? Should this issue be brought to the forefront, the current financial indiscretions would pale in comparison. It is my belief that those who take an active approach in seeking the truth will be surprised at what they discover.
Patrick Chavez,
Local 244 Member for 20+ years
THE CITY CAN ADD THE COST OF THE TAKE HOME CARS ALL OF THE AFD UNION STAFF HAVE. I HAVE SEEN THEM PARKED OUT IN BACK OF IMBIBE. ADD THE COST UP OF ALL THE BULLSHIT POSITIONS THE AFD HAS CREATED AND THE TAX PAYER IS LEFT HOLDING THE TAB. FIX THIS PROBLEM MAYOR BERRY OR YOU WILL BE A ONE HIT WONDER.
Patrick Chavez, you only seem to come around to stir up trouble. The timing of this and your previous requests for information are certainly suspicious. You are entitled to your opinion. I support the efforts of President Arencon. I believe his actions are honorable, justified and always in the best interest of the members of IAFF Local 244. Best of luck to you on election day. I hope the members see what is really going on. I too know what it takes to work for the interests of the members of our Union.
Brother Chris Fichtner, Local 244 County Chapter.
Pat, do you know what the heck dissert means? Did you make up a new meaning for this word, are you trying to show your itelligence or are you just making more stuff up? You leave the impression that Diego has been the president for the last eight years and you certainly have been pointing fingers at specific people. I don't believe anyone started out defending Diego specifically, however the nature of your and the administration's attacks/accusations against Diego have been pretty brutal.
You certainly did provide the copy of the report to "The Eye", whether directly or indirectly, the result was the same. There are so many copies, that you provided, floating around the city right now,
that this was the conclusion you had hoped for. The fact you agree with the article is proof of this. There are also many inaccuracies that you have no objections to, Why? I guess the fact that they were copied on city copiers is ok with you.
Your attempt to rally the troops has been tremendously successful, only you rallied them for Diego. If you look behind you all you will see are the administrators that put you up to this (they are the reason for your cush job). That's not the roaring voice you had hoped for.
You may not have personally raided union coffers, but Chris Blackmon had access to all the funds and we know who his right hand man was. We know about all the trips to Las Vegas, Neveda, so stop already.
Finally, nobody is trying to keep you from running against Diego, that is your and Skip's right. It's the manner in which you chose to run and how incomplete the information that you chose to release that makes this whole situation so distasteful.
y
Mayor Berry, and Darren White be forewarned!
Local 244 Members are NOT the APOA.
We are active, we are vocal, we do vote, we do mobilize at Political rallys, we do go to Union meetings, we do get involved in City Politics/State, we do donate money to political candidates, we do volunteer for campaigns.
We will NOT stand by and let Chief Ortega, Deputy Chief Sadberry, Sears, and Garcia, Captain Skip Tenjero, and Lt. Pat Chavez participate in subversive Union Busting behavior.
We will not be pushed around by a group of self serving,lieing, back stabbers.
Shame on the individual(s) for putting a cloud of suspicion over everyones names that are mentioned in this unofficial report.
To Mayor Berry, Darren White, and or the Transition Team if your are considering any of the aforementioned individuals for Chief of The Albuquerque Fire Department, you are only setting yourself up for 4 years of bad policies, contentious relations. The membership knows these individuals are all in this together.
To the membership it is our duty to show up and VOTE for Diego, and send a message to him (Pat), and his group of followers.
I'm not associated with AFD, but I must admit their union is actually a union, not a piss-ant association. It has active members and carries clout. The APOA just makes whatever weak deal it can, in the interest of the president or the board. The officers get the scraps.
Add Dave Chavez to the list of white shirts who are giving out false information. Don't go near station 17 because Dave is spewing out as much hate as he can. If you see him at a union meeting, be afraid, be very afraid. The guy is only there as a spy, he is not for the union. If there is a way to screw us, he'll figure it out to make good with the white shirts. Ask him his opinion, he'll squirm like the worm he is. My sources tell me, he was the one who released the information to outside sources. He and Pat are mirror images.
You guys are funny lol.
Shame on Albuquerque Firefighters for blindly following an individual (Diego) and his minions who are self-serving. God help you all if the IRS ever does an audit.
Everyone can blame Pat Chavez all they want but the truth is there are many with the same info like Chiefs, Commanders, Captains, Lieutenants, Drivers, Pipemen, City Hall...me. If you continue to choose to blame Pat Chavez then ask yourself this question - is his information wrong? Look at the numbers and connect the dots and stop being distracted by the war of words.
If you want to blame someone, why don't you consider the real reason for a Union President and factor that into your conclusions. Is the president not to serve the membership? Is accepting a $90K a year extremely self-serving (not to mention the extravagant perks)? That extra $45K plus could be used for say...firefighter benefits. Do not ignore what the office of Union President is supposed to be about. Can you say integrity? If Diego was truly a servant of the Union he would not have made a deal with only a few in the loop. Reportedly a vote at a union meeting occurred - even if this story holds truth, what kind of referendum is it when less than 3% of the entire membership was in attendance to vote? Then ask the question - who else is benefiting from these back door deals...and then ask what other back door deals are occurring and who are they benefiting (Emily)? While you are at it really take a look at where some 1/2 millions of your dollars went...truly - $500,000 gone!
Local 224, it is time to get your head out of the sand and see what is happening around you.
So... Anyone who doesn't agree with the union and it's leadership is a spy?
Local 224, it is time to get your head out of the sand and see what is happening around you.
November 20, 2009 12:17:00 PM MST
Ha Ha Ha ha Ha Ha ha ha ha! I got it so Pat will get your vote... that is if you show up to vote.
You raise a concern about the pay Diego is getting now? Were you at the Union meeting when his pay was voted on? Check yourself before you outright lie... It passed overwhelmingly no NAY votes, not 1.
I can see it now if Pat (The Bully) Chavez wins.
Darren White would tell em to go F himself, Mayor Berry wouldn't even entertain the thought of meeting with him. I guess he would have a great relationship with new Chief if "his" boy Skip makes Chief, oooh wait we already had that once already. John Garcia the Chief for the County ring a bell? You know the one who had an office within Admins Main Office. Hmmmm...
NO THANK YOU, I will VOTE FORE DIEGO!
P.S. my prediction is Diego wipes his ass with Pat. Pat gets maybe 40 votes at the most, and that's being generous.
AFD is NOT APD, they all tried to get in the police department but failed the process, They then became firefighters. NOT crimefighters. Cops are too busy fighting crime, not lifting weights and cooking dinners. Really ,how many fires do you respond too. AFD handles 40,000 call last year. APD handles 120 a year. Go the numbers you AFD whiners
My advice to the union is, put this behind you after the winner is chosen. Politicians will exploit division in the ranks to solve the current financial crisis. Come together or suffer the wrath of a Republican Council and a Republican Mayor.
Albuquerque firefighters should be demanding unity after the election, and Chavez's brother and Arenco's advisors should give both candidates the same advice.
When a union is divided, it is easy to balance the budget on the backs of the members. A united front works when fight fires, in war, and in politics.
20 to 60 million dollars is what will be cut in the next 6 months. Then the city will start planning for the budget that starts July 1, 2010.
I wonder if AFD will take a big hit? The answer to that question will come on December 8th. If the winner is gracious and the loser falls in line, disaster can be averted.
AFD is NOT APD, they all tried to get in the police department but failed the process, They then became firefighters. NOT crimefighters. Cops are too busy fighting crime, not lifting weights and cooking dinners. Really ,how many fires do you respond too. AFD handles 40,000 calls last year. APD handles 120,000 calls a year. Go to the numbers you AFD whiners
RESPONDING TO THIS COMMENT:
"AFD is NOT APD, they all tried to get in the police department but failed the process, They then became firefighters. NOT crimefighters. Cops are too busy fighting crime, not lifting weights and cooking dinners. Really ,how many fires do you respond too. AFD handles 40,000 call last year. APD handles 120 a year. Go the numbers you AFD whiners"
Nice try dude.. who are the biggest EMS abusers in the entire city? COPS ARE. You guys are so afraid of the "Scary" lawyers that you have to call out a half million dollar fire truck with four firefighters on board for a frikin band-aid! I was quietly peacefully reading all of these comments, and almost made it to the end when a cop had to go and throw one under the belt. If you really want to talk about a bunch of backstabbing, racists, whiney, underhanded cover-ups, ect, you are talking COP! First of all, get your numbers straight: AFD responded to exactly 81,118 calls in 2008, not 40,000, did you pull that out of your ass like most everyone else on this blog? Firefighters "Couldn't pass the test" to get into APD, HAHAHA that's awesome! It's funny how APD has diffrent physical test for men, women, different ages, ect. AFD has ONE test for all. The "Job" is the same , why should the test be? After many years as a fireman I actually became a cop. SO yes I AM qualified to speak up. I did get to see both sides, and I have happily returned to a life that is much better, the life of a firefighter. By the way the New Mexico State Police has by FAR a tougher academy then your little
"7-5 Mon through Fri class". Try NOT getting a day off for four months. It must have been nice to go home at night and have your wife rub your back during the academy! To see your kids all weekend long? To go shopping at Costco? To go out to eat and grab a beer or two. Try working several thousand square miles by yourself. Go to a bar fight alone, pull over a carload of badguys alone, process a fatal wreck, by yourself. Process a DWI alone, you guys have specialist for everything! Try having to DO everything, for less pay in fact! SO YOU STOP WHINING! APD has it easy.
You are more than welcome to come out and run our tower, throw our ladders, drag the 180 pound dummies around, ect. Heck, try attending Paramedic school. You want to compare police academy vrs Paramedic curriculum! LOL!! I hate bashing you guys here but you started it! Hey, the point is, cops and firemen are similar in many ways, we have a need for action, a desire for helping people (ok cops screw people, firemen help people) but who's keeping track? Anyhow, we have different jobs that the PUBLIC demands that we do. SO WHAT if our union is a powerful political force? All of you people out there that are whining about "Taxpayer this and that", remember, WE ARE TAXPAYERS TOO.
:::Continued:::
I hate MY TAX DOLLARS going to pickup every damn drunk that falls into the street, sleeps in a park, walks down central, ect. These bums are given a first class ride in an ambulance, to an emergency room, seen by nurses, techs, Dr's, thousands of these events every year!!! What a waste of OUR tax money! Lets look at the real problem here. How about we look at the real waste of taxpayer money is. Art? Art for bus stops?
Social programs for drug addicts, bums, blah blah... Lets look outside our little box we call Albuquerque. There is a larger world out there. Lets be happy that we have a generally good economy compared to the rest of the US. I say to anyone whining about cops or firemen getting raises.. "Too bad". When you are enjoying your fat pension from some corporate job where you screwed people to make you richer, retired cops and firemen will be dying of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, ect. 20 plus years of REAL stress does that to a body. Not civilian stress like, "Starbucks didn't have my special latte whipped crap today", Stress like...burning bodies, car wrecks, bullets flying, knives, deaths, mangled bodies, abused babies, bloodshed. Basically war, with lots more rules, and paperwork. I am tired of MY/OUR tax dollars going to help these people that continually cannot help themselves. People that won't get a job, people that are nothing but a boil on the ass of society that KEEP breeding! In the worlds of the late Bill Hicks.. "Could you calm down on your rutting for a couple of seconds while we figure out this FOOD - AIR deal".? Stop having kids if you can't care for them. These people are the REAL waste of our tax dollars, not one individual that works countless hours to better the working conditions of over 800 paid firefighters. Besides, what a lot of these complainers are forgetting is that if you raise salaries, raise standards, ect, you will get a higher caliber individual filling that position. More incentive to make more money attracts more candidates for a particular job. This is good for the department and for the community. Now, can't we all just get along and stop all this crap? (OK off my soap box). Man that was a long rant.....
Oh by the way... if you don't like the way the Union is run... we'll break your kneecaps! ok ok just kidding!
AFD is NOT APD. how profound. I'm not sure what your comment has to do with topic. Judging by your ignorant and arrogant statements you sound like someone who used to get picked on in high school and is now a bully hiding behind a badge. Perhaps your time would be better spent initiating unity between our members. The fight is not between AFD and APD. It will be our UNION strength that gets us through the upcomming hard times. Rather than scrounge a free meal at McDonalds you should stop by one of the stations and get on the chow list. By the way "I went to the numbers" and AFD responded to 120,964 calls in 2008
Way to go PD, piss off the only people who will show up to save your butt in the worst case scenario if you get hurt. Is your buddy going to remember his academy first aid, or your MOE refresher on CPR? AFD does a different job. Both have benefits, both have drawbacks, and both jobs and departments have enough trouble of their own to not go seeking a fight with the other. Now kiss and make up before AFD kicks your asses (they are bigger and work out more).
RESPONDING TO THIS COMMENT:
"AFD is NOT APD, they all tried to get in the police department but failed the process, They then became firefighters. NOT crimefighters. Cops are too busy fighting crime, not lifting weights and cooking dinners. Really ,how many fires do you respond too. AFD handles 40,000 call last year. APD handles 120 a year. Go the numbers you AFD whiners"
Nice try dude.. who are the biggest EMS abusers in the entire city? COPS ARE. You guys are so afraid of the "Scary" lawyers that you have to call out a half million dollar fire truck with four firefighters on board for a frikin band-aid! I was quietly peacefully reading all of these comments, and almost made it to the end when a cop had to go and throw one under the belt. If you really want to talk about a bunch of backstabbing, racists, whiney, underhanded cover-ups, ect, you are talking COP! First of all, get your numbers straight: AFD responded to exactly 81,118 calls in 2008, not 40,000, did you pull that out of your ass like most everyone else on this blog? Firefighters "Couldn't pass the test" to get into APD, HAHAHA that's awesome! It's funny how APD has diffrent physical test for men, women, different ages, ect. AFD has ONE test for all. The "Job" is the same , why should the test be? After many years as a fireman I actually became a cop. SO yes I AM qualified to speak up. I did get to see both sides, and I have happily returned to a life that is much better, the life of a firefighter. By the way the New Mexico State Police has by FAR a tougher academy then your little
"7-5 Mon through Fri class". Try NOT getting a day off for four months. It must have been nice to go home at night and have your wife rub your back during the academy! To see your kids all weekend long? To go shopping at Costco? To go out to eat and grab a beer or two. Try working several thousand square miles by yourself. Go to a bar fight alone, pull over a carload of badguys alone, process a fatal wreck, by yourself. Process a DWI alone, you guys have specialist for everything! Try having to DO everything, for less pay in fact! SO YOU STOP WHINING! APD has it easy.
You are more than welcome to come out and run our tower, throw our ladders, drag the 180 pound dummies around, ect. Heck, try attending Paramedic school. You want to compare police academy vrs Paramedic curriculum! LOL!! I hate bashing you guys here but you started it! Hey, the point is, cops and firemen are similar in many ways, we have a need for action, a desire for helping people (ok cops screw people, firemen help people) but who's keeping track? Anyhow, we have different jobs that the PUBLIC demands that we do. SO WHAT if our union is a powerful political force? All of you people out there that are whining about "Taxpayer this and that", remember, WE ARE TAXPAYERS TOO.
What a freaking lie. I am a female APD officer and I have been called to over a dozen calls where AFDs four brave (haha) firefighters wait for an officer to arrive to deal with an unruly patient or a drunk. You have got to be kidding me. I am 5'08" and 150 pounds. I wish I could lift weigts all day, but I have to work graveyard and raise a family during the daytime. Give me a break. You guys are pathetic
I am so depressed about these issues I think I am going to kill myself! That being said I would like to be transferred to Ladder 21 on C shift so I can be off for all of the hollidays! If anyone needs some concrete work done for this I am up for negotiations.
Thank you
Did you forget about the guns, bullets, vests, pepper spray, handcuffs, bataans, ect..?? Give us that equipment and we won't need you at all.
Oh really, and I have yet to EVER see a female officer do ANYTHING by herself. Except be a homewrecker. Lame
keep telling yourself that honey...the hardest part is the test then you can hang out for twenty years..the danger starts the day we graduate...you guys know the paramedics are the only ones that work
I have an easy fix for this stuff. Mayer Berry, are you listning??? Build a "Drunk-Tank". Stop spending millions on drunks that should be going to MDC anyways. You are clogging up the hospital system and wasting valueble resources.
This isn't APD versus APD. The city needs both, one needs the other.
The previous comments are from a select few and do not mirror the opinion of the majority in APD and AFD.
For those who did post...obviously you have not learned to not piss into the wind or not to shit where you eat.
AFD and APD...Rock On!!!!! The citizens appreciate you and the work you do!!!!!!
That's just what I want as my backup on a rough call.. a GIRL.
Why don't you guys just let Fire Chief Breen handle it. Ha Ha
Well female APD, if you knew your own laws you would know why we have to call you out. We get in trouble for physically handling/restraining abusive "patients", you get to do it legally.
I'm sorry you couldn't make it into AFD, please try again.
Come on APD puts there life on the line everday. Look at the ones that followed the Mayor around waiting to jump infront of a bullet at anytime. There highly trained. I bet there all waiting inline to get on Berry's detail.
5'8" 150lbs hahaha is that what it says on your NM dl? All you women lie on those licenses by about 20 or 30lbs in your case about 65lbs. And I know for a fact you wouldn't have passed any of your physical entrance exams if you had to do the male versions. I'm just sayin,,,BE HONEST FOR ONCE!
Now go back to your grave shift and pretend your working real hard. We all know in reality your asleep in your car by 02:30. We have the same radios and hear the crickets on grave and we sure dont hear any "females" going 54 all night working real hard wink wink (-;.
What would most of you AFDers be doing in life if it was not for the city of Albuquerque and your position as a firefighter? Most of you only have a high school education - why don't you all grow up and realize you have it made with the fire department or maybe you should learn how to say, "Would you like that supersized?"
I am so depressed about these issues I think I am going to kill myself! That being said I would like to be transferred to Ladder 21 on C shift so I can be off for all of the hollidays! If anyone needs some concrete work done for this I am up for negotiations.
Thank you
AWESOME!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH Funniest thing I have ever heard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's official. The only way to settle this is APD vrs AFD female mud wrestling.
The new DWI policy was signed off by Mr Law and Order Marty. Drink on Fireman. Now APD can get those two drunks a night they need for stats. Alcohol sales will be up so the state will see less of a budget shortfall. Walgreens will need to hire extra employees to handle the increased sales. What a wonder thing for our out going Mayor to do. Albuquerque will be a better place. Thanks Marty.
Diego sure sounded brilliant in the paper, "you never know which one of these (firefighters) is going to be the next to save someone's life."
Like AFD would only run 3 guys on an engine because one was fired for DWI. Maybe with this machismo super-hero attitude he could keep drunk firefighters off the road. That'd sure as shit save a life. I understand Diego is standing up for his people, and that is his job. But even though firefighters do a great job, but to think they are irreplaceable is asinine!
Hey, AFD needs to stop fighting with APD. I love you guys, I don't care what the other female officer said. She works graveyard and she needs to stop fighting with you guys.
By the way what area do you work that you need to help AFD out so much?
I have many friends and family on AFD we need to get along.
xoxoxo from APD Love you all
Happy Holidays to all members of APD!
From an AFD Member!
To the guy that knows everything about the academy why did you leave, did you not cut it? Or was there a slow check on your background that revealed that you were not worthy to wear the badge? What ever your problem is, go get help!!!!! Stop fighting with females, next time around your going to say that your mom can beat her mom get real.
I'm glad that most of AFD doesn't act like you, there are a few firefighters but thank God its only a few. The majority of the Albuquerque Firefighters are outstanding!
Nope, I did the job, saw the light, went back to fire. Simple. BTW, who's fighting with females? Did I say anything about females? Did you read all the post or just skim through it? My plan was to take the heat off the original blog direction and it worked.. So ... have a nice day! :) Be safe .
"Not worthy to wear the badge? " HAHA That is funny! The only requirement for APD is that you must have went to West Mesa High School at some point in your life.
Both of you guys are way too funny I bet I can find dirt on both of you on nmcourts.com so go brush your teeth and wipe your butt see you in the field maybe a female can kick your ass or maybe you both swing the other way. Better tell you partner in the next bunk to watch out. HAHAHAHA
(Glen Sveum)
Oh and by the way everyone read about Diego only you think the blog went in the other direction no wonder, you are a dumbass firefighter thank God not to many like you!
Ok this is getting stupid,,,people are paraphrasing and misspelling and , oh gosh can't take it anymore....
There is only one requirement for AFD. You qualify as long as you have been a resident at one of the finest jails.
Guys in AFD Drink and Drive... That is BAD, and it's an embarrasement for sure, but come on APD are you sitting up in your Ivory Tower looking down on AFD's misdeeds?
Rape, Murder, DirectTV theft, Evidence Room theft (Money,Drugs, Guns), Drunk Driving, Domestic Violence, Civil Rights Violations (on a daily basis), bank robbers, car thieves, wreckless drivers (dead Grandma), don't go to calls for service,5 911 calls unanswered (Reagensburg), Fake Phony Fraud Detectives from the radio shop, defrauding the Feds on Grant Money circa USA TODAY, etc., etc......
I think APD needs to worry about their own bullshit in their Department before trying to crack back on some Firefighters for drinking and driving.
Why did Diego get all the money and why is it okay for him to spend as he sees fit. Please someone explain and please leave out all of the BS.
WHO'S SLUT OLD LADY WAS ON L13 AT THE PARADE.
WHO'S SLUT OLD LADY WAS ON L13 AT THE PARADE.
November 29, 2009 7:05:00 PM MST
It was your Mom,... Douche bag!
You for got the firefighter that got poped for using the internet to pick up little girls. Oh and the firefighter that has domestic abuse. Oh and the firefighter that drivers the on a revoked drivers license. Oh and the firefighter that drives the engine to Walgreens to bye alcohol. Oh and the firefighters with their daughters that are drunks and under age. Oh and the firefighter that ect. ect. You guys commit crime so just shut up and lets get back to Diego the firefighter that is basically embezzeling money!!!!
Most of you firefighters are maried to SLUTS and the rest of you DIVORCED the SLUTS you trade wives and screw on the hoses of the Engine. Nice pics seen many what a hoe!!!
"You for got the firefighter that got poped for using the internet to pick up little girls. Oh and the firefighter that has domestic abuse. Oh and the firefighter that drivers the on a revoked drivers license. Oh and the firefighter that drives the engine to Walgreens to bye alcohol. Oh and the firefighters with their daughters that are drunks and under age. Oh and the firefighter that ect. ect. You guys commit crime so just shut up and lets get back to Diego the firefighter that is basically embezzeling money!!!!
Most of you firefighters are maried to SLUTS and the rest of you DIVORCED the SLUTS you trade wives and screw on the hoses of the Engine. Nice pics seen many what a hoe!!!"
And YOU obviously forgot to finish the 3rd grade! Nice spelling and grammer jackass.
What the hell are you saying?
1. "for got"
2. "the firefighter that drivers the on a revoked drivers license".
3. "the engine to Walgreens to bye alcohol".
Ha ha ha ha... I bet you graduated from either Valley, Rio Grande, or West Mesa High School.
P.S. Are you (Cops) equating drinking, and driving to Rape, and Murder? As stated before clean up your "OWN" house before pointing fingers at others.
Hey a firefighter just told us about his life w/women he married or dated or maybe its his mother or his daughter or his sister.
Read on it is real funny
"A women who has ever been married to or ever dated me the jackass firefighter for any amount of time is like a War Zone speed hump... Ugly, Slammed, Rode hard, bottomed out, beat up tramps. They are like beaten dogs, you raise a voice, or any sudden movements and they hit the floor like a returning Iraq war Vet with a severe case of PTSD.
Come on... this is Albuquerque you've been swappin' spit with each other for years... If you don't think your old lady is a tramp just ask you Partner"
HAHAHAHAHA right back at you......
It is so nice to read what you guys get your rocks off on just go to sleep with your partner in your quarters. Don't throw rocks you bad little boy, you live in a glass house.
Oh by the way lets get back to the theft Diego did!
Apd threw it. We just threw it back.
OK, look, cops, you do an important job. You are the line between peace and anarchy. We need you and appriciate your work. But firemen are just way sexier. Get over it.
Wow that means you a AA cup
Looks like another one of APD's finest made the news AGAIN...
Last week was their Chief with almost a Million dollar judgement for Civil Rights violations... and this week it's a Cop lieing to the Feds about a DRUG STING TIP......
I don't think you guy's will ever arrest enough Firemen for DWI to make up for your Departments MENTAL MIDGETS!
Happy Holidays and remember Drinking and Driving is bad, but Murder, Rape, Civil Rights Violations, and Lieing to the Feds is REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BAD!
Drug dealers are employed by AFD and they know who they are. If you don't then you are sheltered and should shut up. They were dealing drugs in high school so why should they change their ways. Once a drug dealer dope somke MF always a drug dealer dope smoke MF, but hey AFD hires thugs and keeps them. Good for AFD, they need to show that they actually have a job but what the FU@% they only work 2 on and 4 off and thats when they make money on the 4 off by being a drug dealer. Don't know why you keep saying you have a DWI problem only. AFD has a big problem in all types of crimes so shut the FU@% UP! www.nmcourts.com check it out!
AFD has firefighters than are always hitting their wives, stocking, they commit rape, they sell drugs, they are always drunk they can't go in alone to any type of call, they lie to everyone but wow they do not get terminated they get to continue their employment as fucked up as they are. They still drive the pumper or the rescue or the ladder trucks, And their union sucks to!
Murder, Rape, Civil Rights Violations, lieing to the Feds about... What's that? Drugs, and or the selling of drugs!
Come on APD... AFD, BCSO, NMSP, and all the other Publice Safety Departments like some of you guys but the majority of you Douche Bags thing your better than everyone else.
Nobody gives a shit about an APD Officer unless they show some mutual respect, but most of you think your Gods Gift to Law Enforcement.
Once again are you equating Murder, Rape, Civil Rights violations with DWI?
P.S. If APD knows of AFD personell dealing drugs you should report it or arrest them otherwise it makes you look complicit.
Happy Holidays APD, and God Bless!
APD has some good dudes but most of em think their shit doesn't stink.
APD your no better than any other Department in the State no matter how much you say it, it still doesn't make it so!
Happy Holidays to all!
DIEGO MUST OF PAID YOU UNION $$$ FOR TRYING TO TAKE THE BLOG OFF OF HIM BUT ITS ALL ABOUT HIM AND THE ABUSE OF UNION FUNDS WHAT CROOKS YOU GUYS ARE!
Diego won the Election 386-54!
GAME OVER! Try again in 2 years.
Apparently Diego IS doing a good job afterall. Please close this thread, it's useless now.
Albuquerque firefighters deserve to be heard
On Monday, January 28, 2010 the Journal ran an article about Mr. Diego Arencon, President of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 244. The Journal stated, “The union took the matter to court after Berry objected to the higher salary.” Not true! Suit was filed when, contrary to the current contract, Mr. Arencon was order to cease his daily union business. The contract states, “To develop a more cohesive relationship between the Union and the Albuquerque Fire Department ,upon request of the Union President, to place the Union President on a 40 hour work week for union business.” This is clear and simple language the Mayor refuses to honor. If the Mayor believes it is wrong for city employees to conduct union business while on duty, why hasn't he ordered other city union presidents to cease to do so?
Also not reported was that Mr. Arencon offered to settle with the city by relinquishing his negotiated pay rate. This offer was refused by the city. The city continued to attempt to hobble labor by claiming it was against New Mexico statute for a city employee to conduct union business while on duty. Judge Baca found that the city was wrong in this claim and that there is no discrepancy between state statute and a public employee conducting union business while on duty. Judge Baca ordered the city to allow Mr. Arencon to return to his regular union business. To this date, 2-4-10, the city has ignored Judge Baca’s order and prevents Mr. Arencon from performing union business.
Albuquerque residents need to know that while the Mayor has been on television stating he wants to sit with the unions to discuss solutions to the city budget shortfall, his CAO has repeatedly canceled meetings that Mr. Arencon has scheduled to do just that. Instead, the Mayor has contracted with Management Associates Inc., a well known union busting firm. The contract was made for less than $55,000 thus not requiring the Mayor to get council approval. This firm has no interest in the city and labor finding solutions to the city’s financial problems. On the contrary, they profit by turning labor against the Mayor. So far, they are doing a great job. It is outrageous that in a time of financial hardship the Mayor has hired a firm to work for the city when the city already has employees to preform the same duties; employees who have the city’s best interest at heart.
In addition to refusing to honor the contract, every worker’s comp claim filed by an AFD firefighter has been denied since the Mayor has taken office. One of our brothers was burned in a house fire this past week. I wonder if the Mayor’s worker’s comp board will deny his claim as well? Is refusing to pay for firefighter’s injuries suffered on duty one of the Mayor’s ideas to reduce the city’s budget?
IAFF Local 244 wants to help the city address it’s serious financial situation. We have ideas that could cut over a million dollars from AFD’s budget just this year. But, we cannot help the city if the Mayor continues to attack us, refuses to talk with us and allows himself to be guided by an outside firm who profits from turning us against each other. AFD Administration and IAFF Local 244 members have worked side by side and risked their lives together for many years serving the City of Albuquerque. We have served the residents of Albuquerque both on and off duty. Now we ask you, the residents of Albuquerque, our true employer, to help us continue to serve you. Demand that the Mayor stop doing business with Management Associates, Inc. Demand the the Mayor sit down with labor, as he has claimed he wants to, and help us solve Albuquerque’s financial crisis.
Mathew D. Blanchfield
AFD Firefighter
IAFF Local 244 Steward
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