An intriguing article from ThePressEnterprise.com highlights the City of San Bernardino's ongoing efforts to outsource its fire services following its municipal bankruptcy. The move has sparked significant controversy, especially among city firefighters who are fighting to keep their jobs and maintain control over local emergency services. Last Thursday, August 6, a federal judge denied an emergency request by the San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters to halt the city’s plan to contract fire services with an outside agency. This proposal is a central part of the city’s bankruptcy strategy, which involves shifting several city functions to private or external entities in an effort to reduce costs and stabilize finances. The city council is scheduled to review proposals from both the San Bernardino County Fire Department and a private firm at its meeting on August 24. According to City Manager Allen Parker, officials will recommend that the council select the county as the contracting partner. Earlier that week, on August 5, the firefighters union filed an emergency motion seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the city from moving forward with the outsourcing plan. Corey Glave, the union’s attorney, argued that the city should maintain the current status quo and avoid any risk of job losses until the court could fully consider the issue. In her ruling, Judge Meredith Jury expressed skepticism about the urgency of the union’s request. She stated that the union had not demonstrated an immediate threat, such as actual layoff notices, which would be necessary for an emergency injunction. This was the first such request she had received in three years since the city filed for bankruptcy, and she preferred a more deliberate legal process. Jury agreed to hear the case again on September 17, where she will also evaluate whether the city is legally required to negotiate with the firefighters’ union before proceeding with the outsourcing plan. San Bernardino’s bankruptcy attorney, Paul Glassman, said the city does not expect to lay off any employees before the next hearing. This marks the second time the firefighters’ union has tried to block the outsourcing plan. Last month, Judge Jury ruled that the city charter did not prohibit the move, which the union had previously contested. While city officials argue that existing firefighters would have the opportunity to remain employed, the union emphasizes that this is not a guarantee. The decision now allows the city to proceed with selecting a contractor and beginning negotiations. If the city council chooses the San Bernardino County Fire Department, it will submit an application to the Local Agency Formation Commission by September 1. The process could take several months, including public hearings and reviews of boundary changes before any final decision is made. This development underscores the complex relationship between financial recovery, public safety, and labor rights in municipalities facing economic hardship. As the situation unfolds, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for both the city and its workforce. CNC Aluminum Parts,Aerospace Parts,Aviation Parts,Aluminum Fabrication Dongguan Jeek Precision Technology Co.,LTD. , https://www.jeeklead.com