Funny that the Herald wants to quote alleged 718 members went it is attempting to cause a divide in our union. If a 718 member attempted to complain about being without a raise in any other forum he/she would be told to be lucky they had a job and to keep quiet. Ed Kelly has and continues to do an outstanding job as president.

Where was the public outrage when Menino awarded the BPD and BEMS with benefits when accepting drug testing? The fact of the matter is Menino when filing for arbitration did NOT want drug testing and was not part of the equation. Are there screw ups in the BFD? Apparently, yes, but how does that mean the whole department is guilty? There is a democracy at Local 718 and at every meeting theres an opportunity for members to speak openly regarding their concerns. If new leadership is on someones mind then they can speak up. I love the "anonymous" sources the media creates, have the guts and speak up. I'm proud and honored to be a Boston Fire Fighter and not one citizen of the city of Boston has ever questioned me about my abilities or desire at protecting not only them but my own family. I love my job and regardless of what you or your readers might think we will always be there to help our fellow citizens. I applaud Ed Kelly and my elected union officials for doing this nasty job. The fire department will be there in three minutes should you need us and I truly hope the city is safe.

sounds like this editorial was written at city hall. 14%?? where did the herald get this info?? their buddy's in the mayors office? this is the same old garbage from the herald . print the citys side of the bargaining and pass it off as gospel. the herald has never heard of 2 sides to every story

Is it ok for a secretary to make $108,000? Just wondering. Is it ok to hold up a police academy class for weeks in order for your son to make weight? Just wondering. Is it ok to blame firefighters on the death of Lt. Kelly? Apparently, because although the Menino/Fraser contracts out all major apparatus repairs the motor squad is to blame. Those men down there do not do brake jobs. They change tires, do oil changes and other MINOR repairs. The media has the city believing that we, as firefighters, do everything to the apparatus and that is not true. When the City had the O'Toole report that cited numerous problems with the department, Menino did nothing. It is blood on his hands, he is the BOSS! God forbid a journalist, if that's what you call yourselves, ever ask him a hard question.

why is the herald trying to influence a city union to oust its leader when he was democratically elected by a landslide 6 months ago?? hmmm....did lisa signori write this editorial??...who are the fire fighters unsatisfied with the leadership?? who are they?? are they real?

By not accepting the earlier raise...

that's money lost...... never to be recovered by the the union members.

Good call union leadership.

How rich. Truly just desserts here. The 718 apologists will be here momentarily to deny and feign outrage, but they put all their chips on Cro-Magnon Man Ed Kelly and they Just. Can't. Get. Over. It.

Popcorn's ready here, getting ready to sit down and watch the tong war begin. Fun Fun Fun.

The problem here, the REAL problem here is that everyone in the fire department is in the same union except the commish, which means, the union runs the department. How can you discipline someone in your own union? The Union even fought hiring real mechanics unless they would be part of 718. The last thing htey want is anyone not in their club in the department. The Union is God. So until they can pull out the upper ranks into a different Union, like other public safety organizations, there will never be real reform.n And that is unfortunately beyond Tom Menino because it is a national problem. Tom Menino is just the guy who has tried to stand up to them.

Time you got to work. Oh, I'm sorry. You ARE at work! Watch out for those paper cuts. I heard they can be hazardous to your health.