We recently had a meeting with the Whidbey Island VP, East Sound Ops Chief, Deputy Chief, Fire Chief and myself to discuss the cross staffing response of the ARFF units at Whidbey Island. This was following an unsuccessful 3rd step grievance over how responses were being handled. Management had opted to respond the ARFF trucks as if a "simultaneous significant emergent event" were occurring, even when the ladder was only out doing a building inspection. This was a violation of the agreed upon SOG and put fellow fire fighters in needless danger. At the conclusion of the meeting neither party had budged on their beliefs leading to the union invoking arbitration on management.

Within 4 hours of invoking arbitration the local had received numerous phone calls and emails from management conceding on the issue. Management has agreed to follow the SOG as currently written.

While increasing the staffing numbers and ceasing to cross staff at all would be our preference, this is a victory in and of itself. We have sent a clear message that we are willing to stand up for any issues with regard to the health or well-being of our members...

Congratulations on your victory Chris Hiteshew!