There is more misinformation in this TRR article

by T Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:51 pm

Rumford Fire Department Files Grievance (Again)

Submitted by TRR Staff at 7/06/2008 08:29:00 PM

The Union that represents the Firefighters of the Rumford Fire Department has announced that it has filed a grievance regarding the recent disciplinary actions taken by the town. In the build up to the municipal elections in June, the Local Firefighters Union submitted a letter to the Editor in the Rumford Falls Times supporting candidates Greg Buccina and Rob Cameron. That letter, signed by the Union, was a direct violation of section 10 of the Town By-Laws which prohibits such action by either the Police or Fire Department Unions.

In addition to the letter to the editor, Union members who were on duty the night of the annual town meeting handed out Union propaganda regarding the proposed budget cuts to voters as they entered the High School parking lot. Prior to the meeting, Town Clerk Jane Gaisson had to order Deputy Chief Ben Byam to leave the building with his handouts as the auditorium was considered a polling site. As a result of this activity, Union President Mark Tripp was given a week off without pay and others were given a day off without pay.

The real story here is what is the basis of the Union grievance? The By-Laws are very clear on the participation of the Union in town politics. The Union President was responsible for holding the vote on submitting the letter in violation of the By-Laws. One fireman refused to vote as he told the group that to do so would be a violation; that individual has since left the department. What is there to grieve? The Union has also said that it would take the matter further if they didn't like the town's response to the grievance.

The action of the Firefighters Union appears to be vindictive in nature and will only serve to redirect town resources away from other needs once again. The actions of the Rumford Firefighters prior to and since the election are very disturbing. Next July, the Union contract comes back up for renewal; that gives the town twelve months to consider all of the alternatives for fire protection. Our options include having just one man on per shift like Mexico, having a full Call-Force only department, or contracting with the Town of Mexico for services. It is obvious that changes need to be made.

Labels: Fire Department

by T Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:55 pm

wrote:That letter, signed by the Union, was a direct violation of section 10 of the Town By-Laws which prohibits such action by either the Police or Fire Department Unions.

Unions are not mentioned in Section 10 of the by-laws.

Section 10. Political Activity.

No member of either department, regular or special, including the chief, acting as an individual or in concert with others, shall participate, direct or indirectly, in any act or program designed to, or tending to influence the election of any Town official or to influence the appointment of any person. Violation of the provisions of this section shall constitute a cause for suspension or dismissal under the provisions of section 8 hereof.

by T Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:01 pm

wrote: What is there to grieve?

A violation of the US Constitution?

by T Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:03 pm

wrote:The action of the Firefighters Union appears to be vindictive in nature

The pot calling the kettle black?

by T Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:09 pm

wrote:Next July, the Union contract comes back up for renewal; that gives the town twelve months to consider all of the alternatives for fire protection. Our options include having just one man on per shift like Mexico, having a full Call-Force only department, or contracting with the Town of Mexico for services. It is obvious that changes need to be made.

This is a "vindictive" threat.

by marktripp Mon Jul 07, 2008 7:17 pm

I will not get into detail at this time, but the article is full of lies.

by T Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:40 pm

After this grievance is settled, and if the lies can be or are proven, I hope Mr. Tripp and the other affected firefighters file a lawsuit against The Rumford Reporter “staff”.

by Chuck Tue Jul 08, 2008 3:21 pm

T wrote:
wrote:Next July, the Union contract comes back up for renewal; that gives the town twelve months to consider all of the alternatives for fire protection. Our options include having just one man on per shift like Mexico, having a full Call-Force only department, or contracting with the Town of Mexico for services. It is obvious that changes need to be made.
This is a "vindictive" threat.

That is a vindictive threat. That is the way the people at the TRR have operated since they have organized. That is why I, for one, get so upset with them. They aren't about what's best for the town, they are about trying to punish anyone that they can't control and has the audacity to challenge them.

by C Tue Jul 08, 2008 4:34 pm

With the prices of oil being so high this year I think there will be many new users of woodstoves, propane heaters and electric heaters which will greatly increase the fire risk, especially for chimney fires. Only the foolhardy would suggest one man per shift or a full call-force. Where does TRR get off encouraging others to gamble with the safety of our homes and families?

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