A REPORT FROM PITTSBURGH INDICATES THAT THE 911 DISPATCHERS SAY THEY ARE FED UP WITH THE LACK OF PROGRESS IN GETTING A NEW CONTRACT WITH THE COUNTY. SO THE GROUP HAS DECIDED TO STAGE A ONE DAY STRIKE. THAT DATE HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED AS THIS SATURDAY. IT ALSO HAPPENS TO BE WHEN THE ST. PATRICKS DAY PARADE IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN PITTSBURGH. ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LARGEST VOLUME OF CALLS COMES INTO THE 911 CENTER. WORKERS INSIDE THE CENTER SAY THEY ARE TIRED OF MANDATED OVERTIME, 16 HOUR DAYS, LONG COMMUTES TO THE CENTER, HAVING TO STAY AFTER WORK AND MANY HAVING TO WORK ON DAYS OFF. THE BUDGET ALLOWS FOR 259 DISPATCHERS, BUT CURRENTLY EMPLOYS 211, A SITUATION THAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS ACCORDING TO WORKERS.
