Union advises firefighters not to go into Realty Building to retrieve residents' belongings

[@flyer617]

Have the building owner temporarily shore it up and make it safe to retrieve belongings.

[@commonsenseoldman1959]

That won’t happen

[@HM2SGT]

💰💵🤑💸

[@donnie017]

Why are the firefighters being asked to retrieve items? The building is considered to be unsafe. Do people think the firefighters are exempt from getting hurt or killed if something catastrophic happens? Why not let the residents take that risk upon themselves and get their own stuff if that’s the case. The firefighters are emergency workers, not clean up crews. I get helping out when you can, but this is asking a little much of people who shouldn’t be asked to do that.

[@cantprocess]

1:26 where does it say they’re being “asked” I hear they “volunteered” Ps. Thanks to us taxpayers firefighters get really good life insurance so of course I’d send the one I’m paying for better life insurance than my own to go in. And firefighters are “clean up crews” how else do you think they discovered how the fire starts? By being psychic?

[@SeanPat1001]

@@cantprocess Fire investigators determine the cause of the fire and generally do not go into a building that is unsafe. No matter how good their life insurance is, they may not be covered because they willingly went into a place of danger.

[@trains2057]

Eh

[@markeastridge9649]

⁠@@cantprocess volunteering is tainted with pressure and emotion.

[@chrisdeluca1475]

I disagree with this decision. Why put the firefighters lives at risk? If residents want their things, send them up one at a time to retrieve it. Otherwise, take it as a loss. SMH 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@UQRXD]

I agree.

[@alanreed2141]

Nobody put them in anything! THEY VOLUNTEERED! What are you talking about?

[@cantprocess]

1:25 whose asking? I hear volunteers.

[@user-zu5do6ri6r]

Residents are being barred from entering to get their stuff.

[@RB-vr7mq]

If they are asking firefighters (presumably due to them being trained professionals) then why are they being asked to do it off the clock, and literally at their own risk? This way beyond "above and beyond". Just put them on the clock and provide them with all the support they need to go in and come out safely. Or, just do not do it.

[@dizzydevil547]

Cause its a cop out if they go in on thier days off and voulunteer etc then the fire dept can claim "aint our fault they went in as volunteers and off the clock!" this SMACKS SO MUCH of the fire dept covering thier asses if anything goes wrong ...as in wont send them in on paid time etc as they would be lible etc ...i know the firefighters want to do the right thing BUT to ask them to do it as volenteers in their own time and off the clock ( so they aint covered by the fire dept as they can say not our fault if shit happens) is TOTALY wrong so I AGREE WITH WHAT THE UNION IS SAYING ON THIS! .... disgusting that the Fire dept have done this ....GOD forbid if the building is usafe as mentioned and it collapses and those fire fighters that DID volunteer to go in and retrieve personal belonging for residents etc i KNOW FULL WELL the fire dept would say they went in of thier own accord (as in volunteer) so they aint covered by the fire dept insuarance , penisions in the event of death etc as they were off duty and nothing to do with the fire dept! UNION is right and disgusted at this fire dept for this THINGS can be replaced lives can not! im form the UK and shocked by this!

[@RB-vr7mq]

@@dizzydevil547 , yup. No way in hell I would "volunteer" under these circumstances without guarantees if I got hurt that I would be covered. This is a huge ask, and one they should not be putting out there.

[@HM2SGT]

To mitigate liability claims should the worst come to pass

[@678rwhp]

What kind of selfish jerk would ask anyone to risk their lives for things? Unbelievable.

[@KK1913]

I’m sure they are not asking. But they prevent the tenants from entering. I chose my own risk everyday. My home , my choice.

[@irregularobserver4165]

HEY TITO! If it's ok, if it's safe, If it's the right thing to do . . . THAN HAVE THEM DO IT ON THE CLOCK! You can still only utilize those who volunteer to go, but this way, they are covered if they are injured. THIS IS THE MOST SCREWED UP CITY IN AMERICA. THE CITY OF YOUNGSTOWN HIRED OUT THE JOB THAT CAUSED THIS EXPLOSION. DO THEY KEEP POINTING FINGERS TO KEEP THE ATTENTION OFF THEMSELVES? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT MAN BEING KILLED? WERE THE STANDARDS BEING MET IN THE JOB AND IF NOT WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

I think that is true everywhere. I remember purposely working off the clock to avoid going into overtime by a half hour because my paycheck would actually be _lower_ than if I had not worked that half hour. Someone told me to take a longer lunch because if I were to get injured, the company could say I was there when I should not have been since I was not on the clock and not have to be responsible.

[@my2cents945]

How do you "train" to be crushed by a collapsing building?

[@SeanPat1001]

I don’t think they’ll be covered by workers compensation if they’re injured. Somebody should look into that.

[@tclem44]

They can't trust any insurance company to cover them if they are injured or killed. Insurance companies will claim they knew it wasn't safe.

[@Naturallystated]

Worker's comp only covers injury obtained while on the job.

[@peterbonaccorsi3445]

What is so important that anyone has to go back in that building? Belongings can be replaced, people cannot.

[@JohnShinn1960]

My favorite toothbrush and if I want it I'm gonna get it, fire department or not. Life is always a risk. Life is always fatal. Also, is the cash still at that bank? No, it's not.

[@gwencrawford737]

If you ever live in my fire district, you come and tell me that when your family albums and other irreplaceable items are stuck in a building that's just been tore up. There are some things you cannot replace. Life is one of them, yes... but life isn't the only thing that can't be replaced. That's why firefighters protect life AND property. We don't give a damn about your new TV... that's a light lift to replace it. Your important documents... your family albums/pictures... the heirloom given to you by your grandparents that's special to only you and them... those can't be replaced. In these circumstances, the situation is controlled... and firefighters are volunteering to apply their knowledge and skills to recover safely what precious items they can for the residents. They're not going in like daredevils, ready to die to save 'things'. They're not THAT stupid. Trust in your firefighters... they aren't fools.

[@TruFrag]

Oh man... Imagine if you were being forced to give up your family hairlooms paper stocks and bonds, dead parents important paper work... The list can go miles

[@cantprocess]

You see there’s this agency called the *IRS* and they’ll be glad to tell you what’s important for you to keep.

[@HyenaBlank]

There could be some really valuable stuff, priceless heirlooms, sentimental items, memetos. Legal documents like birth certificates and what not, etc etc. True belongings can be replaced, but not all of them. And some will be an absolute pain in the ass to replace.

[@chuckwolfboyer7830]

THE FIRE FIGHTERS ARE NOT A MOVING CO thay must be stay safe

[@rickchapman9232]

When was that building built? There shouldn’t be asbestos in there at all. How are they going to demolish it with all that asbestos in there without spreading it all over the city?

[@johnwilcox4078]

Any building that was built before 1980 could have asbestos. This building was built during the golden age of asbestos, when hundreds of pounds of it were used for thermal insulation for piping of the large, sprawling low pressure steam heating system. The owners are not required to remove it, so much of it remains to this day, even in public buildings like this. It only becomes harmful when it gets disturbed and microscopic particles become airborne and you breathe it in. So, how will the public be protected during demolition?

[@lazygardens]

Ity was built long before asbestos was banned.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

They'll probably have a team specially trained and properly suited up to remove the asbestos.

[@vicktorpatriot1430]

​@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 if the building is structurally unfit to allow residents to go in tyvek coveralls aren't going to change that

[@svenweihusen57]

@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398most likely not. This would mean that they would need to work inside. Removing asbestos would take month at least in a building this size and the building is declared unsafe. Nobody will be allowed inside. So you will have to simply accept the dust. On the other hand: yes, asbestos is bad but we are talking about people who had daily contact with this stuff. And they can reduce the dust by spraying water while demolishing.

[@lablaine1981]

So sorry for the residents...kudos to all firefighters for continuing to help folks,i can relate in MN 🥶

[@mutualin4mation]

The union has some good points there.

[@LarryInNM]

Once people were allowed to do their own retrieval, but that is Not allowed in the Nanny State.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Once a building is deemed in _any state,_ people are not allowed to go in. In some state, a low-income building was declared unsafe and rendered all the people homeless. How convenient.

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Litigation state, not Nanny State. Fear of lawsuits.

[@jeffreyc6508]

Why not let the people go in and get their own stuff, that building is not going to fall down.

[@ForestNinjaZero]

Yes, it certainly will fall.

[@cgschow1971]

​@@ForestNinjaZeroWhen they demo it, sure. Other than that, it is stable. It's lawyers making that decision.

[@ForestNinjaZero]

@@cgschow1971 Concrete foundation, blasted below street level, with enough pressure to burst the 12th floor? You think that's stable? LOL 🤣

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

@@ForestNinjaZero you means what Jeffrey know.

[@russellstewart5414]

I think a big problem is if you let the tenants get their belongings it will take forever. People have an emotional connection to stuff and they can’t make decisions about what to take. A firefighter has no connection to your property and they stated only what can fit into a normal size carryon case. That’s nothing, just some personal effects and photos and not much else

[@nrw2235]

Why not log the hours spent and bill the property owner at the end?

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

If the building is declared unsafe, the owner is probably legally absolved from having to have anybody except the people who are there to either demolish, renovate or bring the building up to useable condition.

[@Gordy-fj1jy]

Unpaid and on their days off? Okay, bye… The union is right, nobody should go in there. Sorry folks, you’re not getting your stuff back.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

It's their right to not go in but some believe in going above and beyond. It's a heart issue that's to be commended even if the law and our society turns a blind eye to compassionate and caring people.

[@Gordy-fj1jy]

@@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398 No, it’s a matter of principle. The city and property owners don’t want the liability and are instead manipulating and attempting to abuse these public employees. Nobody, regardless of their profession, should be asked to volunteer at work without pay and their regular benefits and protections. It’s wrong and you know it and the Union said as much.

[@PatrickBaptist]

@@Gordy-fj1jy AMEN! The poor guys already risk their health dragging us out of a fire, they shouldn't risk anything for our junk, and then to be unpaid is like being spat on.

[@Gordy-fj1jy]

@@PatrickBaptist Precisely! This is when hazard pay is completely appropriate.

[@PatrickBaptist]

@@Gordy-fj1jy 100%, those people wanting their stuff should pool their money to pay for this "moving" service, moving peoples goods is not a what firefighters are for. I work with the public full time in a call center, people call their insurance and the entitlement of people makes me want to wrap my mouse cord around my neck goodentight lol.

[@hobbes7460]

You want your stuff back? Get it your damn self!

[@TruFrag]

The city won't let them.

[@DaleDix]

If it is safe for the fire-fighters, it's safe for the residents.

[@commonsenseoldman1959]

And will they have insurance coverage if they get hurt or worse? I’m not going in that building.

[@commodoresixfour7478]

Those are bad ass fire fighters! I wish them well!

[@mjgpmg]

Why put those firefighters at risk, they’re not movers … why let the city go into the building…

[@richardmeo2503]

Citizens should be able to retrieve their possessions if they desire to. Sign a waiver, accept the risk and get what you want within reason. Why is the Bldg being torn down?? Is it so unsafe it will collapse, or is it an insurance call??

[@RedNeckSurgeyTech]

If the fire fighters can go in as "unpaid off the clock civilians" then why not just let the people go in and get their own stuff. Makes no sense.

[@mattp.7002]

The firefighters should be compensated and this work should be done while they’re on duty. What happens if, God forbid, one of them gets hurt or killed. What compensation do they get or does their family get if something were to happen? It’s one thing if lives were at stake or there was a rescue, then the risk would be worth it. Otherwise I side with the Union.

[@LarryPinch]

Its called trespassing. Owner needs to stand his ground. Potential lawsuits in the wind.

[@MessyPointedBlob]

Yea exactly right. Just go in and retrieve your stuff. Trespassing is a cheap ticket.

[@Emyr-vz4oz]

I would lend them their air system and fire fighter temperature uniform. To protect them, and should be covered by the building and tenant insurance for the fireman's safety.

[@katiesioux7757]

This is crazy, why risk their lives for a few personal items??? Let them go in and get their own stuff

[@michaelmurray6197]

So just saw this, and there are a ton of people with comments about how the firefighters shouldn't go inside. But then the latest news about this is that the demolition company has been emptying out the residences and taking the stuff for themselves. Basically they are telling people they can't go inside and it's not safe, but meanwhile their own employees are going in and ransacking the place. Not sure if it's the employees decisions for personal gain, or at the direction of the company for the gain of the company. Either way the situation does seem a bit fishy. I can understand if the building isn't stable not wanting to send residents inside. It could be a huge lawsuit and there are probably a number of dangers just getting to their homes, let alone if the building collapses while they are inside. But there should be some option, especially when it's clear that even the people handling the demo don't think there is so much danger that it's not worth entering the building to carry off things like tv's and computers.

[@ErdrickHero]

I'd be suing if bureaucracy prevented my property from being returned to me.

[@HandyAndy2]

The union is right. These firefighters shouldn’t even be asked to risk bodily injury for zero compensation, and no insurance against bodily harm. We’re talking about possessions here, not human lives. Firefighters have worked for years to maintain these working conditions, pay and fringe benefits. Now the fire chief wants to come in over a single day and break it all down by guilt tripping his employees into working for free. If a firefighter working for free in the realty building breaks a leg, guaranteed the fire chief wont be covering that medical bill from his own pay. The risk for bodily injury is too high and the fire chief should never have even proposed something so ridiculous. Shame on him.

[@willieverusethis]

Well said!

[@rickjames553]

Oh ya. Sounds like an awful boss to work for. It's a good thing those guys have a union with bargaining.

[@PraxZimmerman]

Why risk the firefighter's lives? They have WAY more training and investment than most. Let me go in and grab that shit, my life is worth roughly a quarter pounder (without cheese).

[@mikecamps7226]

UNIQUE.....this is a HISTORIC MOMENT for POST COVID WORLD and Urban Real Estate

[@redbaron474]

Why not reinforce and brace the first floor to make it safer for residents to retrieve their things themselves?

[@EthansSmallHands]

Why not remove the nazi profile pic?

[@jasono2139]

It already is... this is all CYA by everyone who can't handle the liability of a 0.001% chance of catastrophe.

[@highcottonhoneybeecompany3299]

Explosion, what exploded and why

[@backtoobasics]

The demo company is responsible for removal 9f all personal items. My guess the copper is already taken out

[@jasono2139]

Right! 🤣... too dangerous to get belongs... but not to salvage copper scrap!

[@lelandclayton5462]

So, my question is why are they demolishing a building with a active apartment building? Did something happen to the bottom floor?

[@HyenaBlank]

Apperently there was some come of explosion, which is likely why the bottom floor looks the way it does. I'm guessing it's left the buildings stability in a questionable condition enough it has to be torn down. Seems the blast even traveled up the elevator shaft. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5S5Z6Wlbr1kg80

[@lelandclayton5462]

@@HyenaBlank Thank you for the answer. I remember now. Damn shame.

[@TheMichael408]

Who usually is in charge of retrieving personal items after a disaster like this?

[@yt650]

I can assure you, anything of value that is not taken out now will be taken out by the demolition workers one piece at a time when you can’t see it. It’s very possible that Vandals have been in the building. When you watch them begin to knock it down, it’s not going to collapse, it’s a lot sturdier than they make out, but not safe enough to withstand the necessary construction to fix it and cost has a lot to do with it. There has to be an evaluation before the demolition begins, so there will be workers on every floor from time to time before the demolition begins. It’s too dangerous to not understand exactly what is in the building for example oxyacetylene used for maintenance.

[@JohnShinn1960]

If it weren't for 24/7 surveillance and I had an apartment there, I'd have gotten all my important stuff on my own, even if it meant more than one trip. (no furniture or other large items obviously) I know me. Also, The demolition people are gonna get the rest of those left behind goodies. No? Do not fool yourselves, 100% of that building and it's contents is NOT going to a landfill and/or recycler. Is there still cash at the bank? Of course not.

[@lightclawshadowmarsch8167]

Why wasn't the gas lines not turned off before renovation began.

[@ScottRoofwalker]

And 5 the union wouldn’t be able to collect dues for unpaid volunteer time

[@philiprhodes3976]

Sorry not volunteering or voluntold unless u paying me in case of Injury at all

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Volunteering denotes going under their own will vs being told. An employer forcing employees to work w/o pay can land them in big trouble. A couple places I worked would _FIRE_ anyone found to be working off the clock.

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

To all the ignorant people saying the firefighters shouldn't do it, that the residents should be sent in to retrieve their own possessions....you're idiots; firefighters have training for going into damaged buildings, while the residents are highly unlikely to have any such training. It would be much safer for firefighters to go in than it would be for anyone else. I've had firefighting training...and having only volunteers go in makes perfect sense. If a resident went in and got hurt, I'm sure there'd be a big stink over it. It's much better that someone who's been trained to be safe does it, to minimize the possibility of accident. Just one more good reason to avoid living in apartments.

[@Peter-Du]

Let looters get it.

[@willieverusethis]

No one's life should be put in danger to retrieve possessions. The union is right.

[@jasono2139]

No one's life is remotely in danger. 🤦 The building has been standing for weeks now.

[@ForestNinjaZero]

No, it would not be wise to sweep away the fragments of elevator shafts and support columns to retrieve personal items. The thought of history loss is painful to everyone, but that structure has already been destroyed.

[@DrapDragon]

the owners of the buling should hire enginnerring contractors to go in to 1 unit at a time if an issue arises get out stay out nothing these people have in thre are worth risking even 1 first rsponder for items can be replaced the firemen cant be placed,they are lost

[@juliemunoz2762]

let the tenants get their own belongs at their own risk.

[@charliejones7574]

They're looking for something if they don't want people's belongings retrieved

[@Look_What_You_Did]

Who cares what a union says?

[@timguillory6339]

So volunteering their time would absolve the owners and city of any liability. The union needs to flat out say no and if forces walk off the job what’s the point of a union if it doesn’t protect you

[@zack9912000]

Um, that would be a NO for me if that was me.

[@kennethmantay4484]

and when the cancer shows up- city shakes it head no to any coverage- shameful

[@HughJass-b1d]

No way as a firefighter would I go in.

[@joelaichner3025]

Is there dead bodies in the building ?

[@jasono2139]

No... one guy died. Pretty sure they recovered him. RIP.

[@joelaichner3025]

@@jasono2139 Fortunate , more clues for Charlie Chan , Dig It !

[@667SatansNeighbor]

"Workers compensation"? If they volunteer, on their time off, then their heathcare insurance can cover any injuries and increase, and any long term problems are theirs to deal with... Just like people without jobs paid for with tax money. Potentially costing tax payers for... Crappy things that people own? I guess a firefighters life isn't as important as that cat scratching post or that really cute blouse... Oh... and precious "heirlooms" (fancy word for crap).

[@svenweihusen57]

Why should firefighters do it on their own time? Make it voluntary but payed work. This way they are safe if anything happens.

[@jpolish420]

Please explain how this would violate collective bargaining? Tell me how what someone does on their time off could possibly violate collective bargaining. You can't just put something out there like that without explaining it.

[@davidbryant3532]

The people have a right to EVERYTHING they wish to recover.

[@papatutti59]

If you want your stuff you left behind, go get it yourself. Fire fighter are not your scapegoats.

[@Mickey-jn7hy]

I don't think anybody should ever risk their life over material things. It seems foolish to me.

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

The union should be ashamed. Smdh

[@Dbodell8000]

They are not expected to risk their lives safety first. Hollywood has glorified them so much and it’s all BS.

[@pmboston]

2:58 you can’t be trained to resist crushing.

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

1:11 The firefighters are to be commended for their compassion. Unfortunate, however; is our society's unspoken narrative of "no good deed goes unpunished". Keep these firefighters in your prayers that they will be safe from both the building and from an uncaring society.

[@mfgc2610]

Nothing inside is worth risking your life and health. BUT, firemen are mostly dumb... They go into what most run from. Be safe and may God protect you. Best to you, A firefighters son

[@charleskadletc2431]

FF better wear their turn out gear.

[@jones9664]

Why tf should firefighters risk their lives for a resident's property? One-there is zero benefit for off the clock city personnel to basically be "movers". You can bet your ass, those guys will be gullible enough to help carry personal items out of the building Two- more people moving around the building creates a situation where if things go sideways, it will be harder to figure out who is where. Three-the union that you belong to and voted for says no, you dont do it. The union is not there to be your friends, they are there to protect you and your career.

[@Naturallystated]

Subversive union busting at its worst. Anyone who does not "volunteer" will face discrimination from the chief because it is an "expectation" of the job to do this without pay on their own time. Later that year: Chief," "So why should I give you this promotion when someone who volunteered" to put his or her life at risk at no pay to do hazmat clean-up is the other applicant?"

[@unclejim1528]

Fire fighters are doing it on their own, as in personally, it is their choice, none of you can tell them what they do with their own time, they happen to work as fire fighters. As to "only jerks would ask them to do it", well, residents are in a tough spot, if they're not allowed to go in, all their personal things, pictures, passports, probably any and all IDs, tax PW, etc. How do you go get all that new at government agencies if you have NOTHING as proof except your word? Government doesn't care, bring proof or too bad, also IRS, if they come to audit any of them, loosing PW in a fire or anything else is not an excuse, they have failed to keep records, again, government don't care, they were told to. (It is that way, you might not want it to be true but..... they don't care)

[@annoyedok321]

Get a 8 year old boy, they're light and willing to do anything for $5.

[@PropellerSteve]

Sounds like a job for a robot.

[@vetinaalvarez4004]

2:41 fire chief, not using his brain

[@rogerlayne8623]

NOW THAT'S A MAN

[@jayemm7942]

it’s like telling all the middle schoolers to leave everything behind when the fire alarm goes off (not a drill, obvious real, potentially fatal danger) only to get the upperclassmen from the nearby high school to go in and get those kids’ backpacks and purses. and if a high schooler gets hurt or dies, better hope their family can afford the bills because he “volunteered.” if the retrieval is feasible the building owner needs to hire the robots or specialists to make it happen. it is ridiculous to expect the firefighters to put their necks on the line 1) on their day off to 2) retrieve personal belongings that 3) are only in jeopardy because of somebody elses’ negligence. they must have slept in the day we all learned what can be replaced vs. what can’t be.

[@ronwade5646]

Stay Out!

[@forkoffgoogle]

What belonging is worth someone else's life?

[@pisaoff3873]

Things are not worth anyone s life!

[@HM2SGT]

*What a horror show. Pets! Family heirlooms, Keepsakes and mementos and bits of sentimental/nostalgia stuff... & any firefighter that goes in there can expect a zero help, assistance and aid should they become injured. HR and insurance would deny you so fast your head would spin!*

[@kirk1618]

There is no personal belonging, in an office building, that worth jeopardizing ANYONE's safety, no matter what their "job" is. It's one thing for firefighters to risk their life for another life, but never for a belonging. "Risk a lot to save a lot. Risk a little to save a little." Why has public servant's lives become less valuable than the people they serve? I hear "that's their job". No one's "job" is expected to injured, named, or killed. Taxpayer's provide them with tools to SAFELY do their jobs. They provide them training to SAFELY do their job. If the building has been officially deemed unsafe, then no one should be EXPECTED to enter the building. If firefighters, LEOs, sanitation workers, etc, want to "volunteer" to do the enter and retrieve these belongings, the liability is solely on the volunteer. If ANYTHING were to happen, the taxpayers of this city, or the property owner should hold no liability. Objects can be replaced, lives can not. The individual is ultimately responsible for their own life.

[@joecummings1260]

If you had a million dollars in a safe in that building in your apartment, would you go get it?

[@shinote4]

​@@joecummings1260a million dollar safe will survive to dig out after the place is flattened.

[@BudMckibben]

Nothing worth yourlife left in that place

[@jasono2139]

Do you ever drive to pick up groceries at a store? Is that "worth risking your life" for?

[@williamheber2118]

These firefighters are FOOLS.