Excerpts from Mywebtimes.com: This year, the Streator Fire Department introduced a new policy requiring firefighters to respond to most medical emergencies. However, the firefighters' union has raised concerns, claiming this change is a mandatory subject for negotiation. In March, the union filed a complaint with the Illinois Labor Relations Board, which is still reviewing the case. The International Association of Firefighters, representing the department, claims the city violated labor laws by failing to negotiate in good faith over the new policy. They are asking the labor board to compel the city to engage in meaningful discussions about the changes. According to the complaint filed on March 21, the city required all firefighters to complete first responder training as part of their annual requirements. Then, on March 1, they were suddenly ordered to begin providing first responder care during life-threatening emergencies. The next day, the union sent a formal letter to City Manager Scot Wrighton, demanding that the city engage in bargaining over the policy shift. Wrighton refused to comply. This policy change followed the closure of St. Mary’s Hospital in Springfield on January 4, which was quickly sold to OSF Healthcare, based in Peoria. The sale affected emergency services in the area, leading to the need for alternative arrangements. Under the new policy, the fire department will now be dispatched for the most severe medical emergencies and may also assist with other calls when needed. This shift places more responsibility on firefighters, who are now expected to handle critical patient care tasks previously managed by ambulance services. In response to the union's concerns, Wrighton stated that the city had entered into a partnership with Advanced Medical Transport, the local ambulance service, to provide first responder training. He argued that this arrangement helped ease the impact of recent changes in emergency services across the community. During a meeting between labor and management, the union admitted it couldn’t quantify the full impact of the policy change. However, both sides agreed that firefighters could face increased health risks, such as exposure to blood-borne pathogens, while responding to medical calls. As a result, the city agreed to cover the cost of all necessary vaccinations. Wrighton also emphasized that under the state Public Labor Relations Act, offering first responder training constitutes an improvement in service standards, which falls within the city’s authority to implement without prior negotiation. Thanks, Dan Braille labels are made by embossing or printing Braille characters onto adhesive or non-adhesive materials.The labels may include both the Braille characters and corresponding print or visual information, allowing both blind and sighted individuals to easily identify the labeled item.These labels play a crucial role in promoting independence and accessibility for individuals with visual impairments.By providing information in Braille, individuals who are blind can independently navigate their environment, locate items, and access important information without relying on sighted assistance.Braille labels are commonly used in various settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, and public facilities, to ensure that individuals with visual impairments have equal access to information and resources. Braille Labels,Braille Text Sticker,Braille Dots Stickers,Blind Skate Stickers Shanghai Caide Printing Co.,Ltd. , https://www.caideprinting.com
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