LYNN – More than 300 union firefighters carried signs and marched in protest to Fire Department headquarters on Western Avenue Friday, the action aimed at what they claim are unfair labor practices adopted by the acting fire chief and city officials.
The firefighters paraded along the sidewalk from St. Michael’s Hall to the central firehouse, toting signs with messages such as ‘Temporary Acting Chief Making Bad Permanent Decisions” and “Temporary Acting Chief Promotes Unfair Labor Practices.” The protesters hailed from departments across the state and included members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts (PFFM).The controversy stems from a restructuring by the city in the way medical bills are paid for firefighters who are retired on an accidental disability. Also at issue are allegations that some Lynn firefighters have been forced to return to the job despite having life-threatening illnesses or injuries.Last June, Acting Fire Chief James Carritte sent a letter to all retired firefighters, explaining that medical bills issued before July 1, 2008 would be paid by the Fire Department as had been past practice. However, the chief noted that after the cut-off date, firefighters should forward medical bills to their chosen group healthcare provider.At the time, Mayor Edward Clancy Jr. said the change in policy would not lead to medical bills going unpaid and that seemingly has proved correct.”If there are provisions in the law that allow our medical carriers to pay bills as opposed to directing them to a line appropriation within the Fire Department budget, it just makes common sense,” the mayor said.According to Carritte, Lynn firefighters have medical coverage, the only difference is having an out-of-pocket co-pay when none previously was required.Fire Lt. Matt Reddy, president of IAFF Local 739 at the 170-man department, described the situation as a travesty that shows a lack of respect for the city’s firefighters.”Why should our disabled firefighters have to pay a co-pay after serving the city and putting their lives on the line? We get heart attacks, cancer,” he said. “Right now two guys have been ordered back work, one of whom is on a feeding tube and the other needs dialysis three times a week. But the chief ordered them back.”Reddy said the Fire Department budget should contain a line item to subsidize the retired firefighters for medical co-pays. “We weren’t down there banging on doors asking for money. All we want is fair treatment,” he said. “If I go fight a fire tonight and have a heart attack, my family is going to suffer. Isn’t that enough?”Carritte said he was uncertain about what prompted the protest. “We had two disciplinary hearings in the past year and they marched on those occasions. I’m not sure what this one was all about. It was a total surprise to me,” he said.Asked about the two unnamed firefighters purportedly ordered back to work despite their dire medical conditions, Carritte said, “I can’t reveal what is in somebody’s personnel record. I did order one guy who has an illness back to work on light duty, but I can’t discuss the case.”Carritte said the Fire Department has been under budgetary strain for the past two years, making it impossible to directly cover for lengthly periods the medical costs of firefighters retired on disabilities.”The retirement system can carry them. That’s what it’s for,” he said. “Once you retire, you are no longer part of the bargaining unit. We don’t bargain retiree benefits, so I say, what’s the issue? Our contract with Local 739 is clear. No injury-leave benefits may be paid to members upon retirement.”The firefighters’ union could propose that the contract provision be changed to allow for coverage of co-payments, he said, adding, “But right now I have to protect the public, the taxpayers of Lynn. That’s part of my obligation.”
