A Message From John J. Dougherty, Business Manager of IBEW #98

Philadelphia Firefighters and Paramedics Union Local 22 delivered more than 35,000 signed and notarized petitions to the members of Council in furtherance of their campaign to place a Charter Change question on the ballot that would require this and future mayors to win a 2/3 approval vote of City Council before challenging future arbitration awards for first responders.

It’s about bringing fairness and balance to the process, which currently is neither fair nor balanced.

IBEW Local 98 was proud to have provided a helping hand to Local 22 President Joe Schulle and his team during the petition drive.

With the continued support and leadership of City Councilmen Jim Kenney, Bobby Henon, Mark Squilla and many others, the Charter Change question will be on the May 2014 ballot and the public will vote it into law. It’s simply not fair that one man can defy the spirit and intent of the State’s Act 111 Arbitration Law and withhold a fair contract for more than four long years, especially when the first responders abide by the law by not striking and continuing to risk their lives to save ours.

Congratulations to Philly’s firefighters for finally getting economic justice from the Nutter administration. Now it’s time to ensure that our first responders never again have to wait four long years to get the contract they earned and deserve.

Support the Charter Change referendum!

Support our police officers, firefighters and paramedics!