The Boston Herald
BOSTON — Frustrated EMS union members picketed a taxpayer-funded “beach party” thrown by the Boston Public Health Commission yesterday, saying the bash was misguided given recent layoffs, but the head of the commission argued it was an inexpensive way to reward staff.
“I find it hard to believe that anyone would find it appropriate for the BPHC to be holding a celebration six weeks after laying off some of its longest serving employees,” said Emergency Medical Services union president James Orsino. “Doing so during a time in which they claim that fiscal constraint requires reductions to the city’s Emergency Medical Services not only defies logic but illustrates a thorough disconnect between the commission and its mission.”
Health commission executive director Barbara Ferrer fired back at union officials, accusing them of yelling at families who drove by the sign-waving protesters on their way to the $5,000 daylong beach party and barbecue on Long Island.
“If they had ever bothered to come to a celebration they would see this is run primarily by volunteers. It is primarily enjoyed by lower-waged workers who bring their families and play games and have activities,” she said. “If you have a problem with the administration, take it out on me ... Don’t take it out on my family. These people came here for a great day. This is heartbreaking.”
Ferrer said the commission lost $6 million in state funding this year, but managed to stem the layoffs at six jobs. She said about 350 people RSVP’d to yesterday’s event.
“It’s hard to me to understand how it’s worth it to yell and scream at them over $5,000. Honestly, its $5,000. I don’t understand that,” she said. “You need to find ways to honor your staff. This is one way to do that very inexpensively.”
The EMS union, whose membership includes the city’s EMTs and paramedics, said those numbers don’t tell the whole story. They said they have 20 fewer paramedics and EMTs this year than last year through attrition.
Orsino said the numbers have dwindled over the past four years, shrinking from 452 full-time positions in 2009 to 398 in 2013, and after losses this year, it’s down to 378 people, with only 320 of those working to respond to 100,000 calls to 911 per year.
Orsino said budget submissions show EMS is “not a priority” for the health commission.
“They continue to support some bizarre programs,” he said. “They own a flock of free range chickens on Long Island that lay organic eggs. They call it a ‘job training program.’ I’m not aware of any emerging market for chicken farmers in the city, but it is fully funded in the budget.”
Ferrer disagreed.
“Part of job training is they can work on the farm, part of that is taking care of the chickens. Urban agriculture is alive and well in Boston. I wouldn’t write that off so easily,” she said.
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