Department of Labor Relations Issues Complaint Regarding Athol Town Manager's Criticism of Union Official

The Town Manager of Athol burst into the offices of the Department of Labor Relations to participate in an in-person investigation filed by the Athol Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1751. The Town Manager publicly berated the Union President for declining to meet the day before for settling and for wasting the Town Manager's day off. Attorney Patrick Bryant persuaded the Department of Labor Relations (DLR) to issue a complaint on the above allegations, as the Town Manager's criticism arguably interfered with the Union President's exercise of rights protected by law.

In addition, the DLR agreed with the Town violated the law when it refused to give information requested by the Union regarding the investigation and discipline of a probationary employee.