Firefighters at it again- thanks for the robocall

I received a robo-call from the Firefighters' Union this week, telling me that Mayor Menino's recklessness was allowing stations to be closed because he won't pay overtime.

My understanding is this;

- Boston FF's call in sick at a very high rate compared to other departments

- This is worse on holidays, indicating that it is not merely a bad case of the cold or flu going around

- If a FF calls in sick, not only do they get the day off, but one of their colleagues gets paid OT to fill in for them.  Win-Win!  (but not for the taxpayer)

- Stations have always been closed periodically for training.

- Stations in much of Boston are located every mile or so.

I think the Chief and Mayor are doing the right thing on this one.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/07/08/a_firefight_in_the_hub/