Tensions rise between fire union, city

[Omaha Steve]

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8b82f325919baac8&-session=TheDailyNews:42F946750a41800464xNVTA3FFD8

By Mark Collette
The Daily News

Published April 20, 2008
TEXAS CITY — It took two years for the city and the firefighters union to reach a contract agreement, and even when they finally did, there were hints the union was still unhappy.

The International Association of Firefighters Local 1259 got a pay raise, but it didn’t get a prevailing rights clause in the contract. Such a clause sets guidelines for how to handle grievances about issues not covered in the collective bargaining agreement.

At the time, the union said a prevailing rights clause was the only way to keep the fire chief — then Gerald Grimm — from trampling all over its members.

Now, more than two years later, the union said the city and new Fire Chief Joseph Gorman are again up to no good. But Mayor Matt Doyle said he has no qualms with the union — only with city employees who violate policies.

Three firefighters have sued the city in separate lawsuits and the union said a fourth firefighter was unfairly targeted by the chief for posting a newspaper article about one of the lawsuits on a firehouse bulletin board.

“The union stance is that we’re tired of being manhandled,” said President Steve Cooley. “We have tried ... for years now to get along with the city, and the city at no time wants to get along with us ... It’s going to have to be worked out in the court system.”


FULL story at link.

[Turbineguy]

1. Real smart guys.

get the firefighters pissed off at you.