It’s no secret that firefighters and other public workers are under attack from those who would take away our pensions, our health care and even our right to have a contract. The battle over the state budget has brought even more attacks, as these same anti-worker forces have tried to make public workers the scapegoats for everything wrong with the state.
As firefighters and as brothers and sisters in the labor movement, we’ve never taken these attacks laying down, and we’re not doing so now.All public sector workers both safety and non-safety have been sticking together to protect our collective pensions and pension funds.
As you are aware we work very hard to ensure our Local’s voice and power is front and center, and as strong as it gets.We have taken great care to keep Brother Will Pryor on the LACERA Board of Investments and Retirement. Brother Pryor, myself and our Union Treasurer John Smolin have stayed very active and engaged as members of NCPERS, the national voice on public pensions to ensure our members interests are protected.
Additionally, through CPF, Local 1014 is a critical part of a broad statewide labor coalition that is punching back against the pension haters, and getting the truth out about retirement security.
The best way you can speak the truth to the attackers is to stay informed. This week, I assigned Local 1014 Director Andy Doyle to bring Local 1014’s face and voice to the battleground and he is featured along with other public sector workers in the latest edition of CPF Firevision. The short piece showcases middle class public workers, punctures myths about retirement security, and hits back at those who would steal our security.
It’s five minutes well spent, and something you can forward to friends and others who need help understanding why we’re fighting so hard on this.
As your Executive Board, we’re committed to keeping you informed. We’ve been in this fight for a long time, and we’re committed to staying together and staying strong.
