This story appeared in the Union Leader on July 17, 2007 and was written by SCOTT BROOKS
MANCHESTER – The city firefighters' union, now serving under an expired contract, has passed a "no confidence" vote against Chief Joe Kane and promised to cut back on some of its volunteer services.
"It's a sad day for all of us in the department when we can't count on the chief to be there and stand up for his men," Local 856 president Bill Clayton said in a prepared statement.
Kane called the vote "unfortunate," but said, "I want to assure you and the community that I'll be working with Local 856 to resolve any of the issues that we have."
The union's contract expired Sunday. With negotiations at an impasse, firefighters have vowed to stop providing "volunteer services" not covered in the old contract, such as fixing hoses, flashlights and other firefighting gear.
Clayton vowed the protest would not jeopardize public safety.
"We're going to respond to all calls and give our best," he said. "It's our lives on the line, too."
The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 856 represents about 230 employees in Manchester. The no-confidence vote passed unanimously, 162-0, at a union meeting last Thursday.
Clayton charged that Kane has not attended negotiations. He also accused the chief of denying "every grievance we've filed in the last five years."
"I respect Chief Kane as a person and think he is a good man," Clayton said, "but his actions as chief officer have not been up to the standards that we need or deserve."
Kane declined to comment on the status of the department's negotiations.
