Members of unions representing Cincinnati police, firefighters and non-uniformed personnel are balking at the directive that they take six unpaid furlough days to help balance the city’s budget.
Leaders of those organizations will meet individually with City Manager Milton Dohoney Jr. to offer suggestions on other ways to reduce city spending.
Cincinnati City Council approved a $20 million cut in the 2009 budget Wednesday, including six "cost-saving days," which are expected to save $4.2 million.
Firefighters Local 48 will meet with the manager on Friday morning at 10:00 a.m, according to President Mark Monahan. He has already said his members will oppose the move.
In a letter to Dohoney, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, wrote: "The Union does not agree and/or accept your proposal." A membership meeting will be held either July 2 or July 8.
Kathy Harrell, President of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Queen City Lodge 69, said her members are not happy and probably will not go along with the manager’s request.
FOP leaders will meet next week with Dohoney. After that session, Harrell says the general membership will vote whether to accept the furlough plan.
If the unions do not agree to the "cost-savings days" other cuts will have to be made to make up the difference.
