NEW ORLEANS — At the center of the very public dispute between the New Orleans Firefighters Union and the city, is the relationship between the union and the mayor. It's one that started on good terms.
Shortly after Mayor Latoya Cantrell took office, the New Orleans Firefighters invited her, other city leaders and me to a training exercise. The purpose was to show the challenges firefighters face on the job. After suiting up in firefighting gear and entering a burning building under controlled conditions, Cantrell said she gained more understanding on the demands on firefighters.
“I have a much stronger appreciation for what the fire department does, and the men and women who really put their lives on the line," said Mayor Cantrell in 2018.
At that time, the union's new leadership saw it as a chance to engage with the mayor. Almost two years later, they're clashing.
"It's not uncommon for mayors and public sector unions to get at odds occasionally and I think that's what's happening here. Typically, it's about pay or conditions, and this time it's about a little bit of both," said Eyewitness News political analyst, Clancy Dubos.
Dubos says we should carefully follow how the dispute unfolds. Public safety and public money are involved. He also says the union should be careful in how it presents demands.
"There's an historic precedent on how to handle this. The police union back in 1979 went on strike. I was there, and the police tried to hold Mardi Gras hostage and it totally alienated the public," Dubos said.
The risk of public alienation also applies to Mayor Cantrell and fire chief Tim McConnell. Dubos says in a such a public argument, it's usually the public that tips the scale. Whatever side the people favor, usually comes out on top. But for now, the city is dealing with a unique dumpster fire that continues to rage.
We should note, the previous administration under Mitch Landrieu also had some very bitter disputes with the union over work conditions.
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