Rally Held Opposing Rehiring Retired Pembroke Pines City Employees
PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) -- Dozens of Pembroke Pines firefighters clad in yellow shirts packed a city commission meeting Wednesday night rallying against a proposed ordinance that deals with re-hiring retirees.
The ordinance takes steps to fix a glitch that keeps firefighters and police officers and their pensions in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Firefighters are claiming that it denies them promotions and leads to double dipping with re-hires able to collect a pension and a new salary.
The police department, however, supports rehiring retirees who often serve as school resource officers.
"It saves 2 and a half million dollars a year and keeps veteran officers," said PIO Capt Al Xiques.
Commissioners expressed concern the issue has put to public safety divisions at odds.
"We are in a negative light and I want to be in a positive light," said Mayor Frank Ortis.
All sides agreed to meet to try to reach a resolution before the commission takes a final vote in April
