Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther put pressure on city council during a Monday press conference to purchase a new fire apparatus from Sutphen Corp., as the Dublin-based company deals with a labor dispute.
Ginther told reporters at the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 67 hall on West Broad Street that further delays in purchasing a fire truck could put public safety at risk. Sutphen is in the middle of a labor dispute with the Teamsters as workers sought a new contract, but is now in court with charges against it by the National Labor Relations Board for unfair labor practices.
"We respect the ongoing labor situation, but we can't pause public safety. Our responsibility is to make sure our firefighters are equipped and ready. Each day that council holds this legislation increases risk," Ginther said.
Workers paused a nine-month strike in February. Last year, city council chose to approve a new contract with Atlantic Emergency Solutions for a ladder truck made by Pierce Manufacturing instead of Sutphen.
When asked, Ginther balked at choosing another company to purchase a fire apparatus. He said a bid from another company was $36,000 more expensive and would have taken an estimated 10-12 months longer to make than Sutphen.
This comes after the city approved a $25 million giveaway to billionaire sports owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam that included leasing a city park near Franklinton, all to attract a professional women's soccer team.
"I think the firefighters of this community, the taxpayers of this committee and the neighbors we serve need council to act," Ginther said.
IAFF Local 67 President Steve Stein added that other policy decisions have led to what he calls a "fire apparatus fleet crisis" and wants council to take steps to think about supplying firefighters with the supplies they need long term.
"At the end of the day, yeah, I understand you got a business to run and you do have a collective bargaining agreement that you need to bargain for your members. We have firefighters and citizens we've got to protect, and we're only putting them in danger by delaying this equipment." Stein said.
Interim Columbus Fire Chief Dave Baugh said there aren't any gaps in service presently, but he said his department's backup units are being used almost as much as its frontline equipment.
"That means that we're relying more and more on aging equipment to protect our community," Baugh said.
Columbus City Council member Emmanuel Remy said in a statement to WOSU that city council has already scheduled a vote on this matter for next week. He said the delay came from ensuring Sutphen would be able to meet its commitments, which were at risk during the strike.
Remy pointed out the mayor didn't mention a vote was scheduled at Monday's press conference.
"When the mayor and I met earlier this year, we shared the same concerns about delivery risk. I have not had any follow-up from his office on this since that conversation. I believe we all share the same goal: to get reliable equipment into our firefighters' hands as quickly as possible," Remy said. "The best way to do that is through clear communication and thoughtful decision-making. We are not debating whether to purchase this equipment. We are making sure the commitments that were made to win the bid are going to be met."
Teamsters Local 284 President Mark Vandak sent a statement to WOSU, calling Ginther's decision a slap in the face to Sutphen workers and their families.
"There is no labor contract in place to protect these workers or prevent strikes. After a nine-month unfair labor practice strike, workers have the right to strike again at any time over unfair labor practices and the lack of a contract, which puts on time delivery of Sutphen trucks at risk," Vandak said.
Vandak also said Ginther should have shown real leadership and used the power of his office to mediate the contract dispute for the benefit of workers and residents. He said the mayor is pushing to give the owners of Sutphen millions in additional tax dollars "to fund their anti-worker, anti-union agenda."
Sutphen said in a statement it looks forward to the opportunity to support the readiness of the Columbus Division of Fire fleet with both new apparatuses and fleet maintenance.
"Sutphen continues to operate at full capacity and is confident in its ability to deliver for the City of Columbus and all of its customers across the country and around the world," the statement said.
A spokesperson for the mayor said in an email this single fire apparatus is the only equipment in the pipeline awaiting approval. The city already received two Sutphen engines this past week, which will be in service by the middle of May. Three other engines are expected to come from Sutphen by the end of the month.
