14 months ago
PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER) -- Portlands Firefighters Union, Local 740, held a rally at Portland City Hall in of support 6 firefighters laidoff in the latest round of budget cuts. A total of 9 positions, including the 6 laidoff firefighters and three vacant positions, were cut when the union fought to keep 2.5% cost of living in their current contract. Over the past two years the fire department has lost 23 positions as Portlands tax revenue has fallen. The union got some welcomed news from the International Association of Firefighters President Harold Schaitberger. The Department of Homeland Security and FEMA created the SAFER grant. The 600 million dollars program is designed to reinstate laidoff firefighters and fill empty positions. The grants could also bring back portland heavy rescue unit, which has been sitting idle since last year. Schaitberger says the money lasts two years, a maximum of 150 thousand dollars per position per year. He says the money comes with no strings attatched -- all the city has to do is apply. He expects the SAFER program to restore 6,000 jobs across the country. Shaitberger says the SAFER grant funds could be ready in a month. In the meantime, local 740 is giving part of its cost of living raise to the 6 firefighters who were laid off.
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