SAN JOSE, Calif. (KCBS) -- San Jose’s top firefighter is facing some strident opposition from rank and file union members, as firefighters have taken a unanimous “no confidence” vote in their chief.
KCBS’ Matt Bigler Reports
With the vote, union firefighters are sending a message that they are not happy about a “lack of leadership” from San Jose Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld. The union seems most upset about the department’s policy of limiting paid time off for union activity.
Earlier this year, Von Raesfeld told KCBS that the department is going through some tough times right now.
”We’re facing our own structural budget deficit, but we’re trying to manage it over a three year period so we can be successful in the end,” said Von Raesfeld.
He stresses that the tensions between his office and the union will in no way effect public safety.
But City Manager Deborah Figone tells the “San Jose Mercury News” that the vote is a stunt, and Von Raesfeld will continue to head up the department.
(MGO)
