Firefighters ‘will work for health care’ – Check out the images & battle in Memphis
Action News 5 – Memphis, Tennessee
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A battle is under way in Memphis over health care and benefits for firefighters and police. The firefighters are using social media and some interesting images to get their message across.
In full gear, firefighters hold signs that say “people over profit” and “will work for health care and benefits.” But they say they’re not mocking the homeless in these photos, just using similar signs to send a message.
(Retired Division Chief Henry) Posey believes the city council’s decision to slash health care benefits will not only impact retirees.
“They have to make tough decisions between insurance and medicine and food,” he said.
He says younger firefighters, still on the frontline, may be forced to find other jobs, although many came to Memphis because of the once lucrative benefits.
Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said morale in his department has hit rock bottom.
He says officers are leaving the department and looking for jobs elsewhere after city council approved the 2014-15 budget. This week, council members voted in favor of a budget that includes an increase in health care costs for current city employees and cuts health insurance benefits for retired city workers and their spouses.
He said his officers will continue to do their jobs, but they are angry and looking to leave. Armstrong said he can’t blame them.
