Excerpts from an editorial published on Chicagotribune.com, written by Oak Lawn Village Manager Larry Deejten:
On February 27, the Daily Southtown published a story about Oak Lawn firefighters and a state board ruling that required the village to pay $3.2 million in back pay with a 7% interest rate, compounded over time. This is not just an issue for Oak Lawn taxpayers—it’s a matter of public concern that needs immediate clarification.
The current model for delivering fire-rescue services in Oak Lawn is no longer working. For over 25 years, staffing protocols have remained unchanged, while the fire union has resisted necessary reforms. In any other industry, such resistance would have led to bankruptcy long ago.
Local taxpayers have had little say in this matter due to legislation passed under former Governor Quinn, which was supported by a general assembly that receives significant campaign contributions from firefighter unions. One fire union alone gave over $450,000 in 2014. Despite repeated calls from major Illinois towns, the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association, and the Illinois Municipal League, structural and political barriers continue to block progress.
The fire union often defends its position by citing "workplace safety," claiming that staffing needs are driven by teamwork and increasing workloads. While we value these concerns, they don’t justify the financial burden being placed on our community.
Our village takes great pride in supporting both police and firefighters. Over 60% of the operating budget goes toward public safety. However, the union's resistance to change is costing Oak Lawn more than $2 million annually in state-mandated overtime—over $36,000 per firefighter.
Gov. Rauner has urged shared sacrifice to restore economic strength and fiscal responsibility. Budgets must be balanced, and pensions should reflect what taxpayers can afford. This requires cooperation from all sides, including local leaders who need the tools to manage their communities effectively.
Other nearby communities use alternative models for fire-rescue services that are more cost-effective. Just like any business, Oak Lawn must adopt best practices to remain competitive and sustainable.
Here are some key points for consideration:
- Contrary to reports, Oak Lawn is not “0 for 7†in lawsuits against the International Firefighters Union Local 3405. The village respects the law but also has a duty to appeal decisions it believes are not in the public interest. Legal outcomes depend on the judge, arbitrator, or official handling each case individually. In this instance, a state employee made a serious error by ordering the village to pay firefighters—earning an average of $89,000—$3.2 million in back pay for work never performed and with no improvement in public safety.
- More than 70% of Oak Lawn firefighters do not live or pay property taxes in the village. The union leader quoted in the article resides in Glen Ellyn, where the median household income is $87,904—more than double that of Oak Lawn. This raises questions about fairness and accountability.
- Why not stop appealing in favor of firefighters and simply hire more personnel? The village has avoided spending over $3.6 million since 2008 by not filling vacant positions, thus saving on costly overtime. Each firefighter costs the village over $120,000 annually in salary and benefits, with an average pension of $1 million. If the ruling stands, the annual cost will exceed $600,000 and compound over time. In five years, Oak Lawn taxpayers could face an additional $3 million in unnecessary expenses.
- Is public safety at risk with fewer firefighters? Absolutely not. On regular days, utilization rates are low, and our mutual aid system handles emergencies effectively. Fire Chief George Sheets is a respected professional who ensures the safety of both residents and staff.
- Thanks to MABAS, one of the top two fire mutual aid systems in the country, Oak Lawn and 11 other communities support each other during large-scale incidents. This allows us to bring in over 100 firefighters when needed.
In conclusion, while the recent ruling is a setback, the village has a right—and responsibility—to appeal. It’s hard to understand why a town like Oak Lawn would be forced to pay 74 firefighters $3.2 million in back pay plus interest for work never done. This amount represents 21% of the village’s current property tax levy, and we have no funds to cover it.
Oak Lawn is a fair employer with a turnover rate far below national averages. We are appealing the decision because we believe it is unfair and incorrect. We hope our employees understand our position.
For more information and the full statement from the village, visit www.oaklawn-il.gov, where you can find detailed wage data for all village employees in 2014.
Thanks, Dan
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