The Philadelphia firefighter's union lost a bid to prevent closing seven fire companies targeted as part of Mayor Nutter's response to the current budget crisis. Common Pleas Judge Gary DiVito yesterday ruled that Nutter could unilaterally make the cuts and said the union's fire expert witness had not shown that eliminating five engine companies and two ladder companies would endanger firefighters or the public. DiVito also said that Local 22 of the International Association of Firefighters had failed to show that the cuts posed a threat to public safety. Philly.com also reports:

It was a much-needed victory for Nutter in his effort to close a five-year, $1 billion budget gap that he has warned is likely to grow. Nutter estimates that the fire closures would save $10.4 million annually... The firefighters requested an injunction earlier this month, arguing that Nutter was required to bargain with the union when it came to issues of firefighter safety.

In The Attitude "Alarm Clock" wrongful termination expert witness Charles Conine writes on hiring and motivating employees.

It's all about mental attitude... When hiring, promoting, training and yes, even disciplining, watch the candidate or employee's attitude. Some, as we all know, are timid about showing they care; with encouragement, however, they blossom. Others are natural leaders and will pick up every job you throw their way, do it, then ask for the next assignment. Others seem wooden, disinterested, unfocused; this group, needless to say, may not be your best new hires. You're reaching them too late...

All great performers possess an attitude "alarm clock". They know when it's time to add effort and when to let others take the lead... Can we teach employees to possess an attitude "alarm clock?" The subject of much debate, this is. What is very clear, however, is that great attitudes are catchy, and where one resides, others will follow.

In The Attitude "Alarm Clock" wrongful termination expert witness Charles Conine writes on hiring and motivating employees.

Hoping that they will succeed we provide them the tools -- and we wait. We wait for the new hire's skills to sharpen, her mind to focus solely on the task at hand. Sometimes it does, and we reward the effort. When her mind wanders, we remind her that "this is work, you know; you can daydream later." Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn't. That's when we bring out the big guns: "Keep up like this, and you will be out of a job," we say, knowing that only some employees will hear, let alone care about this admonition. Others will not hear or not care. Some are so impertinent they simply walk off the job which may seem an attractive alternative to hearing the words "you're fired..."

All great performers possess an attitude "alarm clock". They know when it's time to add effort and when to let others take the lead... Can we teach employees to possess an attitude "alarm clock?" The subject of much debate, this is. What is very clear, however, is that great attitudes are catchy, and where one resides, others will follow.