Chicago firefighters' union billboards to raise awareness of wage dispute ahead of Democratic convention – NBC Chicago

New Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 billboards are on display just down the street from the United Center ahead of the Democratic National Convention. The union president said they are trying to get their message across to Chicagoans and new visitors coming to town for the DNC next week.

“It needs to be said and done,” said Patrick Cleary, union president. “I just want the city to sit down with us and negotiate with us. It's been over three years, that's all I'm asking.”

The union members have been working without a contract for 1,141 days. Their demands include the hiring of more paramedics and the addition of more ambulances to the city's fleet.

Cleary described the situation as catastrophic, resulting in slower response times.

“Every day they're looking for ambulances. Our ambulances are out day and night,” he said. “If you go to the West Side, some of those ambulances are out all day: 25, 26, 27, 28 trips a day. That's just not possible.”

Last month, paramedics and firefighters marched during NASCAR race weekend to raise awareness of their struggle.

The union applied for a permit to hold a protest during the DNC, but said its request was denied twice. The city cited proximity and staffing levels as reasons. The union is now looking for other ways to spread its message.

“We also have a mobile billboard that we will be driving around the city of Chicago throughout the DNC, and we have rented two fire trucks,” he said. “We will be putting banners on those fire trucks and driving them around the city as well.”

The mayor's office issued a statement to NBC Chicago when asked about the contract negotiations.

A spokesperson said: “Mayor Johnson is a strong supporter of the first responders who risk their lives every day to protect Chicagoans. While the city does not wish to discuss the details of the ongoing negotiations, the Johnson administration continues to negotiate in good faith with the goal of negotiating a fair contract for our city's firefighters.”

“The people making the decisions are the money people. They don't understand the consequences of people being taken off the rigs or not having enough ambulances available,” Cleary said. “If they talked to the CFD exempts, they would acknowledge that what I'm saying is the truth. It's just that the city is only interested in money.”

The union still plans to hold a demonstration every day next week. As for negotiations, they plan to meet with the city again next month to reach an agreement.