The union representing city firefighters will challenge an order dismissing an unfair labor practice complaint filed over the demotion of former assistant chief Thomas Makar.
The complaint alleged Makar, an assistant chief for 12 years, did not retain his appointed position because of his criticism of the city on social media. The Facebook posts by the former president of Local 104 of the International Association of Fire Fighters were protected union activity, according to the complaint.
But in his Nov. 8 order, Stephen A. Helmerich, hearing examiner in the case, concluded the city did not act out of “anti-union animus” when it demoted Makar to captain in 2016. Instead, Helmerich determined Makar did not match up well against the other candidates for the job.
Makar, 62, retired in February after 37 years of service. He was union president from 1998 until Jan. 1, 2012. Makar was an “aggressive” president and responsible for filing many grievances, Helmerich noted.