Labor and Union Issues
At a City Hall meeting, residents, activists, and city employees offered mixed reactions to Kristin Crowley’s ousting, while unionized firefighters rallied behind her
Former Bellingham firefighters alleged that a 2021 vaccine mandate violated their rights and caused emotional distress through a “scorched-earth” enforcement policy
Scranton firefighters face expanded coverage under a new city directive, sparking union concerns over safety, workload and lack of communication
After being denied the grant renewal, at least nine other Chico firefighters face layoffs
The starting salary for firefighters and police officers will also increase at least 15 percent over three years, bringing their pay “close to market”
Investigators said the current union president has discovered over 45 forged checks made payable to former union treasurer Joshua Diamond
With over half of their staff taking the city’s firefighter exam, the department’s EMS team will have to work overtime
Lt. Keith Long died Dec. 8 after a four-year battle with colon cancer, a disease he claimed was caused by his career
Pension officials said allowing the withdrawals would leave them without the liquid reserves required to sustain $2.1 billion fund
When Capt. Christopher Bartley filed a formal request for 911 data relating to calls placed on hold, officials told him they didn’t have the data
In a one-sentence email sent to all department members, Oxford Fire Chief Wayne Jones announced he would resign at the end of the year
The Springfield Fire Department stated that closing two fire stations would improve response times
Union officials responded to the chief’s email by writing a letter to city hall, calling for the chief to be held accountable for his lack of leadership
An online petition states a paid fire chief “will have an unwanted and unwarranted impact on our community”
Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode said it would cost nearly $100,000 per firefighter to fill the department’s vacancies
The investigation found no merit to the numerous allegations that Fire Chief Charles Middleton created a hostile working environment, mistreated employees and implemented illegal hiring practices
The Wilmington Fire Department will place one fire engine out of service instead of closing stations on a rotational basis
Firefighter: “I won’t say I’ve gotten used to it, but I’ve learned to adjust to it.”
The practice, used to halt overtime, was suspended the day after two Wilmington firefighters were killed in a rowhouse fire.
“Anyone with the talent, tenacity and valor to serve in the FDNY should have the opportunity to do so,” said NY Mayor Bill de Blasio.
Those payments follow a change in the overtime payment structure after it became clear the city no longer could use what’s known as the “fluctuating work week” method
A survey surfaced complaints about the lack of professionalism, concerns over poor pay, a widespread distrust of leaders and a host of other issues
Fire Chief Keith Weaver was terminated for taking a ladder truck outside the municipality for a firefighter’s funeral
A veteran firefighter said the rate for swapping a shift can range from $250 to $350
Despite his termination, Thomas Foote can still volunteer as a firefighter with the department
Firefighters took a truck, an ambulance and another fire vehicle when they went out to pass out candy
The controversy of whether firefighters should be permitted to wash their personal vehicles at fire stations began in April
Per terms of the new contract, union employees will receive cost-of-living wage increases of 2.25 percent for this year, 2017 and 2018
Officials said Assistant Chief Joe Jones was placed on leave regarding an ongoing personnel matter
Harmless perks firefighters enjoy may come under fire as they evolve into quasi-municipal employees
Lt. Gerry Collins, 41, failed to report his DUI and reportedly attempted to avoid the charge because he is a firefighter
The controversy began in April when a town manager told the department they couldn’t wash their personal vehicles at the station
The judge also sided with the city, approving a less generous interpretation of how quickly firefighters will accrue retirement benefits
