Union Politics Spoil July Fourth Float Commemorating Fallen 9/11 Firefighters
- Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:02am by
Tiffany Gabbay
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A Fourth of July parade float honoring firefighters and police killed on Sept. 11 seems like a poignant tribute worth celebrating, no? Well, apparently not for leaders of the Wisconsin firefighters union.
The float, a re-enactment of a now famous photo depicting three firefighters raising the American flag amid the rubble of the World Trade Center, first paraded the streets of Milwaukee back in 2002 and was met with applauds by an emotional crowd. Milwaukee fire lieutenant Matt Gorniak sought to revive the float for this year’s Fourth of July parade but soon found out union politics can get in the way of even the most innocent, heartfelt endeavors.
With the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks coming up later this year, Gorniak and his church‘s youth group decided to revive the float in Racine’s upcoming Independence Day parade, one of the biggest in the area. Unexpectedly, the request set off a debate among the leaders of the Racine firefighters union.
The problem: Gorniak had recently invoked a little-used provision in his union contract and opted out of membership in the Professional Fire Fighters of Wisconsin. Members of the executive board of the Racine firefighters union ultimately decided not to support or march with his float.
Gorniak said union president Craig Ford was initially excited about getting involved with the float but turned cool just days later. Presumably because Gorniak is a “fair share” employee. JSOnline explains what happens when public employees opt out of their unions and go “fair share”:
Under state law, public employees can drop out of the union and opt to pay just their “fair share” for the cost the union incurs for negotiating contracts. These nonvoting employees don‘t have to foot the bill for the union’s political, social and ideological activities.
Officials say it is highly unusual for Wisconsin firefighters to ask to go fair share. But Gorniak – who describes himself as a born-again Christian who supports conservative politicians, including Gov. Scott Walker - filed his resignation letter and became a fair-share worker in late March or early April. He said he made the move in response to the protests in Madison over Walker’s collective-bargaining plan.
Ford decided to take the parade issue to his executive board. Before the vote, Gorniak said, he offered to back out and turn over the keys to the truck, letting Ford and other Racine firefighters lead the float through the parade.
It didn’t work. Gorniak said he was told a few days later that the board had voted not to support the float.
In the end Gorniak — who believes the float is meant to be about firefighters who died and not union politics — decided he will run the float “with or without the firefighters.”
(H/T: JSOnline)
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Comments (179)
TomFerrari
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:54amI have NO DOUBT he can find LOTS of volunteers to man the float with him.
It is too bad his fellow firefighters insist on behaving like 10-yr-olds.
“If you don’t do what I want you to do, I’m not going to play with you!”
Er… okay, take your marbles and go home, whiney.
Unions are plummeting FAST and they know it.
This is their last ditch effort at THUGGERY.
Unfortunately for them, they have already shrunk too small for these pressures to work.
If you have majority support, you can bully people into supporting you.
With their tiny numbers today? They just look like schoolyard bullies – irrelevant and comic.
They brought this upon themselves – artificially inflating wages such that companies had no choice but to relocate to cheaper labor pools in order to compete. Had companies stayed here, with the unions, they would have to charge many times higher prices for products – when it is a manufacturer, the increased price of production is amplified several times as it passes through the distribution channel of middlemen, warehousing, shipping, and retailers, who each need a percentage markup.
If we were an isolationist nation, unions may still function, because there would be no foreign competition, so, any pay increase would be matched by competitors, or the higher paid company’s products would lose to the competition, putting that company out of business.
Unions no longer even represent American jobs. They have gone global to protect the union bosses
Report Post »packrbackr
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:54amWorkers of the world unite ( Then everything can look like Detroit)
Report Post »jeffyfreezone
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:01amOr East St. Louis.
Report Post »Grandmadar
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:54am@ Gonzo …no the button isn’t fixed neither is the oldest/newest feature. That is really messed up. Patience, I guess.
Report Post »HD_DOCTOR
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:49amThe Union now wants a TSA float of a GRANDMA PAT-DOWN!
Report Post »dsm
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:47amAnother example of a shameless union. It’s all about money. Just like the teacher’s union, they cry the cuts are hurting the students and they are protesting because they care about the students. Bull, it is all about money. There is no honor in the US anymore.
Report Post »Bermuda Onion
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:46amThe more they act like this , the more the people are starting to see the REAL union and their ideals. The best that could happen is this UNION arrogance. Hey union thugs, we are watching and it seems you are playing into our hands.
Report Post »kerf
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:44amAh, the politics of unionism, one of the ugliest sides of COMMUNISM.
Report Post »RN MOM
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:44amThe unions are ridiculous. Every time the public asks them to get themselves financially in line with what the tax payers can afford they resort to these tactics. Where I live the police union shut down a few fireworks displays for Monday, because they couldn’t patrol for safety (meanwhile the fireworks were set to go off in the bay), and they cause our school now to stop busing kids who are within a1/2 mile of the school (forcing some little kids to walk along very busy roads). But hey, so long as they get their more than ample piece of the pie. Where I live the police make the highest in the nation and the teachers are not far behind.
Report Post »ssbstspd
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:32amNassau County ?
Report Post »P4cooler
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:42amThe past few years America has witnessed what Obama and the Democrats are all about. Democracy has been under attack in Wisconsin and the 4 million plus residents are fed up to the boiling point with the Obama/Democrat/union anti-American movement. Her in Milwaukee the MPS Schoolboard signed a 4 year contract with the unions (collective bargaining included) just before Governor Scott Walker’s budget took effect. Now 500 teachers are being laid off and the superintendent has the audacity to say it is because Scot Walker’s budget.
Report Post »Lone Star Girl
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:42amGod Bless You Lt. Gorniac! I can’t tell you hoe much I appreciate your principled stand for what you believe in. These union types just keep proving our point with their petty little games. You are a patriot and you have my sincere thanks.
Report Post »BehindBlueEyes
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:41amThe absence of the firefighters will speak volumes to their mentality. The people will once again be reminded what these union thugs are all about, power, money and corrupting government.
Report Post »curmudgeon60
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:39amUnion members are leeches on hard working taxpayers that have learned to stand on their own two feet. My husband has worked in the non-union mfg. industry for 43 yrs. My brother a teachers’ union member retired at the age of 52! with full benefits -and now travels wheneever and whereever with a 2nd home to boot all on the backs of Michigan taxpayers! And now we have Biden telling the solidarity movement if they vote for GOP they’re on their own. Mafia bully threats!!!
Report Post »StevenL1955
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:33amDisgusting! As a once member of a Union, I now am ashamed to say I ever was in one
Report Post »Airb0rne4325
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:28amRules and regulations. Can’t just be human anymore and do the right thing.
Report Post »mema2304
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:28amStand Strong, Lt. Gorniak. The goons will lose in the end! God bless you and all firefighters in our wonderful Country!
Report Post »amerbur
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:28amLeave it to the Union a–h—- to put themselves above everything and everyone else.
Report Post »uncleskull
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:26amState of the union.
Report Post »Ken2
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 10:36pmOn Wisconsin. How proud they must be.
Report Post »jemccc
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:25amWait til they start refusing to put out fires at non-union homes and businesses.
Report Post »rose-ellen
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 2:43pmNo.But you rabid right wing libertarians would refuse to put out a fire for people who didn’t pay the private fire dept.That you would willingly hand back to capitalists the power to do as they please with their workers[no minimum wage,and all other benefirts and worker protections] just shows the power of indoctrination.You’re devolving as the rest of the world prrogresses[long live the progresssive entitlements that are the hallmarks of a just,enlightened equitlable society thatbeelieves in equitabldistribution of goods and services [as oppossed to your dog eat dog,pull yourselves up by your bootstraps,if you’re rich you must be good,greedy hyper capitaism is good for you if you get on top of the pyramid scheme-if you can‘t it’s your own fault-economic and social darwinism-the antithesis of christianity by the way-the entitlement society is inevitable because it is just and essential to a functioning thriving 21st century nation of 350 million people connected with the world.and you libertarians and right wingers are in a dream world[as your politicians inevitable come around when elected shows.
Report Post »pudssweetie
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 4:08pmWow, really now??? Your rant just proves what the rest of us have been saying. First off, my Daughter works for a Fire Dept and does her job regardless of who pays or doesn’t pay, so your comment was way off base. Secondly, we have Minimum Wage laws, OSHA and Labor Laws that protect All Employee’s in All jobs, so your argument of Union Job Protection is null and void. According to your mentality and ideology no one should have the right to start their own business and be successful and make money to support themselves. No business can become successful enough to become a Corporation because corporations are evil. The next time you use any of your household appliances, turn on a light, turn on your TV or Radio or wipe your ass with toilet paper, just remember those things were invented by someone who had an idea and used our Free Market Capitalistic System that allowed those to turn their invention into something we now use on a daily basis. Yes there are Corporations who are corrupt, but also look who they back politically and why they get bailed out of their financial problems instead of letting them fail and close shop. One last note, do not confuse Progress and Progressivism as they are two totally different things. We The People want this country to keep moving forward, but the Progressives in this country want to stifle that progress and push us backwards. Remember, Obama thinks we need to be equal to 3rd world countries, who have very little compared to us.
Report Post »psst
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:25amIn Unions. It is Fidelity /Allegiance to the Unions (marxist bosses)first and foremost.Then to the marxist party(aka dem party)
Report Post »God and Country is waaaaay down the list.If they are even on the list.
Workers of the World unite.In a One World Marxist Community organizing cause..
How is that Dope and Stranjay (spelled Strange pronounced Stranjay,Grace Jones name in Boomerang) thingy working out fer ya’ll?
emertz8413
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:15amI hope this makes some union members sit up and take notice!!! This “you can’t do it without us” mentality is not what the United States is all about!
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 10:09amIf these union members are able to opt out and they don’t, shows me that they are also part of the communist movement to destroy our country. They should all be ashamed.
Report Post »liberalsarealiens
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:13amUnions, make me puke!
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:11amGuess it’s time for WE THE PEOPLE to have our own parades and make our own floats. We do not need unions anywhere in this country, and the sooner they are dismantled, the better.
Get the kids out. Let them have parades like we used to in the old days.
Leave the leftists thugs in the dark where they are happier. Better still, shine the light on them and chase them out of our country.
Report Post »Medic409
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:11amThe actions of these firefighter bring shame to a noble profession. Does a union card mean you check your honor at the door and turn your back on brother firefighter seeking to honor his?
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:22amDang unions, They mess up every thing…. I am so glad he did the “fair share” I wish we could get many many more to do that and cause the Unions to lose some or their Power and Money. I do hope some
Report Post »Firefighters show up for him. But if they don’t The sentiment is still there.
Marengo Ohio Patriot
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 8:45amJust another example of unions doing what unions do!
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:03amYep
Report Post »turkey13
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:13amDon’t you people ever read our union contracts. It is in the first paragraph – Union first,Our Country second. Our contract starts off – We the Union!!!
Report Post »C. Schwehr
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:57amYes….
Report Post »vehoae
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 1:50pmI would not be at all surprised if these so-called public employees take their vengeance out on private home owners. I can see it now — a house burning, a union firefighter standing there twiddling her or his thumbs, and in the front yard, a sign that says “Support Governor Walker and keep Wisconsin debt-free.”
Report Post »woodyb
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 2:56pmWhat else COULD a union card mean, other than that their good-faith union dies were used to help buy the presidency for Odumbo???????
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:10amGood for him I bet he finds firefighters there to ride the float and help him out even of from out of town
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 6:57pmWell, it appears the Unions want to run our lives for us. I never approved of strong arm tactics from the Unions and this is just one more piece of the puzzle telling you die-hard union lovers that you better learn to love your country first, union 2nd. In fact, unions offer little anymore, except corruption, thugs fighting in the streets chanting like illiterates. You really want to be a part of this? You’d sell your soul for a few more coins to approve of their mob tactics? Not me, I‘d rather work and sleep at night knowing I didn’t have to bow to them and their corruption. God Bless America
Report Post »REDRYDER
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:08amGood for you Lt. Matt Gorniak you have my support!!
Report Post »jeffyfreezone
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:46amSo he’s shunned by union officials because he disagrees with Marxist policies and the financial raping of their members so they can live large? God love him! He’s standing up for what is right! Heartwarming and All American inspiring story for our country’s birthday! This is the kind of thing that creates little conservatives. Share it Blazers! I’ll forward it to Morning Joe next week, it’ll make their eyes bleed…
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:46amIs the reply button working yet?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:47amHeck no. Come on Blaze, get it fixed!
Report Post »Treaty
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 10:57amTalking to yourself is a sign of menatl illness.
Report Post »Grandmadar
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:51amNo Gonzo, not yet…neither is the oldest to newest button..that is really messed up!
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:59am@gonzo
Testing
Report Post »nzkiwi
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 8:00am@gonzo
Nope.
Report Post »Bald1
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 2:28pmYes! You have to be “signed on” to see it.
Report Post »green_manalishi
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 7:48amDa rules is da rules, we all got to follow de rules, except liberals, they be above de rules. Screw the Firemans Union, anyhow. id let my house burn down before letting liberal racist firemensz step foot in. it
Report Post »jhaydeng
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 8:14amThis is where the union members need to stand up and set the union straight! What are they afraid of?
Report Post »Want our country back
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 8:26amMilwaukee fire lieutenant Matt Gorniak sought to revive the float for this year’s Fourth of July parade but soon found out union politics can get in the way of even the most innocent, heartfelt endeavors.
God bless you Matt and we need more people like you…. thanks for taking a stand…. WE THE PEOPLE, will make a difference, one person at a time…… Miracles are happening
Report Post »1proudAmerican
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 8:54amThat’s what will happen to all of us. “If you aren’t on our side, we will shun you”.
Report Post »Beckster2
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 9:58amDitto that sentiment.
Report Post »drphil69
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 10:54amThis is the beginning of the end. Obummer’s plan is coming to fruition. Soon this nation will be torn apart and it will be brother against brother. Be prayerful and BE PREPARED.
Report Post »No_Comment
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:00amUnion members do have a choice to opt out it seems, if only they would all do so and let the top union officials pay the dems themselves. Kudos Gorniak !!!
Report Post »Histrees
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:05amJust wondering if there is connection between Firefighters Union and Muslims in Racine?
Report Post »banjarmon
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:16amAre there not real people in this town to take over this progect
Report Post »butler180
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 3:20pmI also support Lt. Gorniak
Report Post »mikem1969
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 5:49pmOnce again UNIONS CAUSE HARM.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on July 2, 2011 at 11:35pmSelf reliance
>on Independence Day!
Report Post »Marcobob69
Posted on July 3, 2011 at 7:36amSounds like the kind of “courage” that Glenn was talking about on his last few Fox shows. This guy should be commended, but in keeping with their liberal bias, he is instead ostracized by the union and their members. Keep up the good work Mr. Gorniak, your intentions are honorable, for sure!
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