concerted activity

Curt VaroneOctober 27, 2025
3,999

Burning Question: Can an Employer Obtain Text Messages Between a Member and their Union Rep as a Public Record?

Today’s Burning Question: Since all reports, documents, and correspondence created or received by public employees in the performance of their…
Read More »
Curt VaroneAugust 13, 2024
83

North Carolina IAFF President Alleges Free Speech and Association Violations

A North Carolina firefighter has filed suit claiming he is being retaliated against because of his advocacy on behalf of…
Read More »
Curt VaroneMarch 19, 2024
73

Non-Renewal of Fire Chief’s Contract Prompts ULP Complaint

The decision not to renew a fire chief’s contract has prompted a Massachusetts firefighter local to file an unfair labor…
Read More »
Curt VaroneFebruary 16, 2016
2 47

Illinois Local Files Unfair Labor Practice Over Grooming Policy

Firefighters in Elgin, Illinois have filed an unfair labor practice charge against the city over the fire department’s enforcement of…
Read More »
Curt VaroneOctober 26, 2012
2 71

Arbitrator Rules DCFEMS Unlawfully Retaliated Against Union President

An arbitrator has concluded that DCFEMS and Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe wrongfully transferred IAFF Local 36 Union President Edward Smith…
Read More »

Curt Varone has over 50 years of fire service experience and 40 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. Besides his law degree, he also has a master’s in forensic psychology. His fire service background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid-on-call experience.

He is the author of three books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022), Managing Disciplinary Challenges in the Fire Service (2026), and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine, writing the Fire Law column.

"*" indicates required fields

Name

Email*

Address*

Job Title

Company

CAPTCHA