The city says it will prosecute firefighters for not reporting to work when called to fill in for absences, as tensions between the firefighters union and city grow.
Two engines and two ladders were not staffed Saturday night because too few firefighters were available, said city officials.
“Firefighters who would have been eligible for callbacks tonight have refused,” according to a statement from Evan England, the spokesman for Mayor Jorge Elorza. England said messages have been intercepted between firefighters saying not to report for callbacks.
“Such actions for firefighters are illegal, anyone caught coordinating will be prosecuted,” England said in his statement.
Firefighters Local 799 President Paul Doughty said on Saturday that he was shown by members of the media Facebook messages between two firefighters dating back to Nov. 1 about not returning to work.
“If they know who it is and it is illegal they should prosecute,” Doughty said. “And I wonder why they have waited almost a month.”
Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré became the department’s acting chief last month, replacing then acting Fire Chief Scott Mello because of a high number of firefighters calling in sick and reporting on-duty injuries.
The dispute has arisen over a scheduling change by the city. The union argues that the change in the work week must be negotiated.