A recent ruling by an arbitrator nets a City of Plattsburgh union – yet another win.
Sources close to City Hall say the union that represents City of Plattsburgh firefighters received word late last week – that an arbitrator ruled in their favor over a grievance that was filed because firefighters were being denied leave time that was granted to them under their current union contract.
Edmund Sanderson, who is a city Firefighter and the point-man on the grievance writing committee for the City Fire Department, is believed to have written the grievance that netted the union their win against the city.
Sanderson, a Democrat, became a target of Republican Mayor Donald Kasprzak when he took office in 2007. Kasprzak demoted Sanderson from his position as Day Officer as part of the budget cuts in 2007. Sanderson, who filed a grievance – to fight the demotion - acted as his own legal counsel when the grievance went to an arbitration hearing. At the hearing Sanderson’s own Union President testified against him – but to no avail. The arbitrator ruled in Sanderson’s favor and reinstated him to the position of Day-Officer. The arbitrator also awarded Sanderson full back pay and benefits that were lost during the period he was demoted.
Kasprzak has repeatedly made public statements about petty grievances filed by City of Plattsburgh labor unions. However, he has been unsuccessful at wining a single arbitration since he took office in 2007 – despite his hiring of high-powered out-of-town law firms to defend the city.
Tags: City of Plattsburgh, City of Plattsburgh Fire Department, City of Plattsburgh Unions, Edmund Sanderson, Kasprzak, Politics, press republican, wiry, wptz
December 17, 2008 at 2:32 am |
Mayor Kasprzak whines about all the grievances the Fire Department files against him and his fire chief. Understand, the only reason an individual or union can file a grievance is if a part of the work agreement has been violated. Putting an end to fire department grievances is very simple, quit violating the contract.