State tosses Toledo firefighters’ complaints

They were the last of several unfair labor practice complaints filed by the union; Chief Luis Santiago said he hopes to move forward from the dispute

October 06, 2015 09:10 AM

The Blade

TOLEDO — A state agency has dismissed the last of several unfair labor practice complaints filed by the union representing Toledo’s firefighters.

All four such disputes submitted since last year by Toledo Firefighters Local 92 to the State Employment Relations Board were dismissed. The most recent denial of these complaints against the city of Toledo was issued Thursday.

On Aug. 13, the state rejected a claim from Local 92 alleging “unlawful interference” in union business April 28.

According to the complaint, Lt. Tony Santiago, Battalion Chief Gerald Takats, and Deputy Chief Rick Syroka solicited support with a petition in favor of Chief Luis Santiago. Lieutenant Santiago is the son of Chief Santiago.

They did so while on duty and in uniform, a push that coerced union members to pledge support, the complaint states.

The board disagreed, citing that only 19 members of Local 92 signed the petition.

“Information gathered during the investigation revealed that the union did not provide sufficient information or documentation to show how its members were intimidated or coerced into signing the petition in support of Director Santiago,” the board wrote.

On Sept. 10, the state denied a follow-up complaint involving a battalion chief. The union alleged he demanded union members send an email stating they were not forced to sign the petition.

The board ruled this claim lacked probable cause, and that Local 92 offered emails from just two probationary employees.

Jeff Romstadt, president of the union, said the petition qualified as coercion. A firefighter with only a few years on the job would feel uncomfortable denying a petition circulated by a fire chief’s son, he said.

“If it was one or 19, no one should have to work in those conditions,” Mr. Romstadt said.

The union represents 490 privates, lieutenants, and captains.

Members of the union previously voted no confidence in Chief Santiago by a tally of 319-46. Union leadership has cited the results in its repeated calls for the chief to resign.

The remaining two complaints dismissed by the state addressed modified working conditions.

Through a department spokesman, Chief Santiago said he hopes to move forward from the dispute.