News Flash

The City of Ogdensburg is sincerely disappointed that a deal could not be reached with IAFF Local 1799 to avoid the lay off of 5 dedicated firefighter personnel.  We were able to fully withdraw one layoff notice due to the immediate retirement of a Fire Captain, and we temporarily avoided the layoff of another Firefighter due to the indefinite leave of another firefighter.  There are two OFD personnel contemplating formal acceptance of the retirement incentive which may provide an opportunity to reinstate two firefighters that will be laid off effective 1 January 2021.  

The City of Ogdensburg presented IAFF Local 1799 with a generous offer that would avoid the layoff of all personnel below the total number of 24, and with the accepted retirement of one employee and the possibility of two additional employees retiring in the near future, we would avoid ALL layoffs; yet late last evening we learned this offer was not acceptable to IAFF Local 1799 President Jason Bouchard and Secretary Ronald Bouchard.

IAFF Local 1799 President Jason Bouchard and Secretary Ronald Bouchard have insisted for weeks that they were open to any plan presented by the city that did not include staffing reductions below 24, and after much consideration, study and analysis, the City of Ogdensburg presented a comprehensive settlement offer that would maintain 24 personnel (6 per shift) and   provide the significant budgetary reductions necessary to strengthen the city's fiscal posture; but that plan was not acceptable as stated by President Bouchard, "what they were asking was, simply put, not acceptable."   

After weeks of accusing the City Manager & Fire Chief Stephen Jellie of not working in good faith, placing firefighters and the community at risk and not caring for the dedicated firefighters and their families well being, it is now clear what is most important to President Jason Bouchard and Secretary Ronald Bouchard - the very lucrative benefits and perks contained in their contract negotiated in haste immediately following the 2019 election of the new city council, and not the personnel that are being laid off effective 1 January 2021.  The current contract with IAFF Local 1799 guarantees raises of 2.5% - 3.5% each year for 6 years, provides bonus payments for not using sick leave, provides a stipend for maintaining EMT certification, offers the payment of vacation leave in lieu of use, demands hazard pay for staffing below 6 per shift and will cost the city on average of $131,000 to maintain each position in 2021; the residents of the city cannot afford these exorbitant costs one day longer.  

The City of Ogdensburg remains committed to finding a collective solution to this matter, but the needs of the residents of the city must come first; no exceptions.   We sincerely hope that President Jason Bouchard and Secretary Ronald Bouchard drop their commitment to "perks over personnel" and join the very bold plan to ensure the survival of the city, while working equally as hard to begin the revival of the city; and bring their members back to work.

Respectfully, 

Stephen P. Jellie

City Manager