Boston Local Sues Over 7 EMT Related Resignations
Boston Firefighters, IAFF Local 718 filed suit against the city today following the forced resignation of seven probationary firefighters who failed to obtain then EMT license within their first year of service.
The local alleges the EMT requirement has been in place for over 15 years and has never been enforced. They are seeking an injunction to reinstate the seven firefighters.
Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser said in the aftermath of the EMS scandal the department sought to enhance the scrutiny of EMS training, and as part of that required 50 recruits hired in 2010 to agree in writing that they would be fired if they did not obtain EMT certification within one year.
The department provided EMT training for the members and has offered them additional tutoring as well to help them pass the state exam. According to Commissioner Fraser, by the members resigning rather than being terminated, they may reapply and be reinstated once they obtain their EMT. Had they been terminated, they would have had to re-enter the application process.
A hearing on the injunction request is scheduled in Suffolk County Superior Court on Wednesday, September, 28, 2011.
If this information is completely accurate (Not questioning you in any way Curt, we just all know that sometimes the full story gets buried) it is a good example of my issue with some unions.
I am fully aware of “past practice” and the role it plays in organizations everywhere but from the information provided this seems rather clear cut. If you signed a contract that stated you had a year to complete a course, the course was provided, and additional support was provided than what is the argument?
I understand that the union has a duty to protect its members but this is not protection, this is more along the lines of enabling. What really irks me is that 43 other firefighters did what they were supposed to do and now the 7 involved could conceivably get away with blowing off their obligation. Personally I’d be really embarrassed if I were one of them. Then again I would have done what was required and wouldn’t have needed the union to stick up for me to begin with.
Unions have a legitimate role in the workplace. Unfortunately I don’t feel this is it.
Just my two cents.