EMS employee addresses Metro Council about contract dispute

My day is complete! FIRST!

It seems the Mayor has been a straight shooter so far.

That is correct and every city employee that has been around for anytime knows it. Most depts are undermanned and they know it. It is cheaper to work what you have to it becomes dangerous for the worker and the public than to hire and have to give them the benefits they have earned in their contracts. Don't think for one minute that it's not know to this current adminstration. The media has seen the amount of overtime paid out and figures it's a good story and wants to know why. Funny big head Jerry did it for years but nothing was said. All I can say is if you don't want to pay ot then staff your depts with enough people to do the work.

Chris.... did u show them ur nipple rings?

I disagree, if the media wants us a real story, let them look at how Mayor McCheese budgeted for 200 more officers than we have ever had, and then used that money in ways not intended by the council. Now that would be a story. Even better would be if this practice has continued under the "new" regime.

Of the fact that metro government pays HUGE "rents" for properties it could buy/build/maintain cheaper than renting (if you need proof look at the east end government center).

Our understaffing is the reason for the overtime use. How many divisions ride at minimums? How many EMS buggies aren't on the street. What about our FF brethren, how is their staffing looking versus authorized and budgeted manpower.

Just sayin'

If the Senate and House do not approve the payroll tax cut for 2012, then next year you will be paying 2% more in taxes than you do now. (The Senate has only approved a brief extension through February 2012) My point is that if Metro gives us a 3% raise and then raises insurance premiums only slightly, you will be making the same as you do now for the NEXT couple years. Just like you have made the same amount for the LAST couple years. Every time we get a raise it is taken away by some backdoor clause in the contract or the government takes back more off the top. This is just food for thought that if Metro throws out a 3% raise (and everyone starts cheering) it ain't sh it!!!!!

10 year Louisville Officer makes $48,817 TEN YEARS AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

A 4 year Denver Officer makes $14,000 more than a 40 year Louisville Officer (Donnie Smith Traffic 55,000 base)....

3 year Memphis Officer makes $52,000

4 year Denver Officer makes $69,000

5 year Minneapolis Officer makes $55,000

5 Year Phoenix Officer makes $64,000

8 Year Dallas Officer makes $61,000 with $10,000 signing bonus

8 Year Kansas City Officer make $67,000

7 year Oklahoma CIty Officer makes $56,000

7 year Seattle Officer makes $71,000 & Signing bonus

****COST OF LIVING COMPARISON****

$44,000 in Louisville KY is equivalent to

$43,313.90 in Charlotte

$43,564.33 in Cincinnati

$44,157.16 in Kansas City

$44,534.97 in Indianapolis

$44,231.84 Memphis

$44,308.15 in Dallas

$47,025.00 in Phoenix

$47,131.91 in Denver

$47,186.58 in Albuquerque

$51,517.69 Las Vegas

$54,012.88 in Seattle

I'll admit that mandatory overtime sucks, more so if you work night shift or have plans/appointments after work. The paychecks are nice but the mayor calls this "abuse." Really? Of course it's easier to pay OT than to address staffing. Well either way, I think I'll abuse a little overtime this week to get on the list. :)