The Austin Firefighters Union is speaking out against a proposed budget that would reduce the number of firefighters on each crew from 4 to 3. The union argues that this reduction would compromise the safety of both firefighters and the community they serve. With fewer crew members, firefighters would have to take on more responsibilities, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries. The union also claims that the reduced crew size would lead to longer response times, putting lives at risk. The proposed budget is part of the city’s effort to allocate funds more efficiently, but the union believes that the cuts would have severe consequences. The union has been rallying against the proposal, organizing protests and speaking out at city council meetings. They argue that the city should prioritize the safety of its citizens and firefighters over budget cuts. The union has also pointed out that the city’s population is growing rapidly, and the fire department needs to be equipped to handle the increased demand. Reducing crew sizes would only exacerbate the problem, they claim. The union is calling on the city to reconsider the proposal and find alternative solutions that do not compromise safety. The proposed budget has sparked a heated debate between the city and the union, with both sides presenting their arguments. The city argues that the budget cuts are necessary to allocate funds more efficiently, while the union claims that the cuts would have severe consequences. The union has also received support from other local unions and community groups, who are concerned about the impact of the proposed budget on public safety. As the debate continues, the union is urging citizens to speak out against the proposal and demand that the city prioritize safety. The city council is expected to make a decision on the proposed budget in the coming weeks, and the union is hoping that they will reconsider the cuts. The union believes that the city can find alternative solutions that do not compromise safety, and they are willing to work with the city to find a solution. The proposed budget has also raised concerns about the long-term impact on the fire department and the community. The union argues that the cuts would not only compromise safety but also lead to a decrease in the quality of service provided by the fire department. The city needs to prioritize the safety of its citizens and firefighters, and the union is calling on them to do so. The debate over the proposed budget is ongoing, and the union is urging citizens to get involved and make their voices heard.