Labor Relations Dept Issues 4-Count Complaint Against Fall River Fire Department

The Fall River Fire Chief unlawfully cut staffing, reduced fire fighters available to respond to a scene, and saddled fire fighters with additional duties because he failed to notify the Local 1314 IAFF of the change and provide an opportunity to bargain. That's at least according to a complaint issued by the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, after a hearing requested by Local 1314 and Attorney Patrick Bryant. Attorney Leah Barrault filed the charge that led to the hearing.

The Union provided sufficient evidence that the Fire Chief unilaterally changed working conditions when he eliminated the critical assignment of Deputy Chief Aides. The Aides provide critical assistance during emergency response, such as enabling the Deputy Chief to take command of a scene and by providing additional staff to respond. Aides provide a number of other functions, including helping with fire reports and maintaining equipment. By eliminating the DC Aide positions, the City required Deputy Chiefs to pick up the slack, while providing them fewer resources to respond to emergencies.

The Department of Labor Relations charged the City of Fall River with four unfair labor practices based on taking the following decisions without first providing adequate notice to the Union to discuss the decisions or impacts of the decisions: 1) reducing staffing at emergencies and assigning more work to Deputy Chiefs at the scenes; 2) stopping payment of the stipend to DC Aides; 3) reassigning administrative work to DC Aides; 4) closing Globe Station and/or Engine 5.

The Department found enough evidence that these changes had an impact on the safety and workload of fire fighters represented by Local 1314.

A hearing will be scheduled to determine whether the allegations in the complaint are true and whether the Fire Chief violated his legal obligations toward Local 1314.