Excerpts from the ChicagoSunTimes.com: A new report from the Inspector General suggests that the Chicago Fire Department could save at least $1.2 million annually by shifting 34 administrative roles to civilian staff, reducing overtime costs and improving operational efficiency. Joe Ferguson, the city’s Inspector General, has long advocated for cost-saving measures in city departments. This time, he turned his attention to the fire department, which operates on a budget of over $576 million. His recommendation follows a thorough review of 555 uniformed firefighters and paramedics, identifying several non-emergency roles that could be handled by civilians instead. Among the roles under scrutiny were two firefighter positions that had effectively become mail carriers—despite not being officially listed as such. Others were responsible for administrative tasks like ensuring staffing compliance with union contracts. By moving these duties to civilians, the department could free up uniformed personnel to focus more on emergency response and public safety. The Chicago Fire Department has agreed to implement the recommendations for 32 out of the 35 targeted roles. However, the move has faced resistance from the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2, which claims that some of these positions are essential and covered under their current contract. Union President Tom Ryan argued that the roles in question are vital to the department's operations and should only be changed through formal negotiations. He criticized the fire department for attempting to make changes without consulting the union, calling it a "unilateral work rule change." In addition to the cost-cutting proposal, the audit also found that the fire department may have improperly granted accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The report highlights the need for better tracking and approval processes to ensure compliance with city policies. Ferguson emphasized that while the initial savings are significant, there is potential for even greater cost reductions if the department continues to review its staffing practices. He also pointed to examples from other cities, like New York and Philadelphia, where civilian employees handle inspection duties that are still assigned to uniformed personnel in Chicago. Thanks Dan Single Screw Barrel For Plastic Extruder,Bimetalic Screw Barrel,Extruder Machine Screws Barrel ZHEJIANG BOHAI MACHINERY CO., LTD , https://www.bohai-screw.com