La Verne is moving toward a $5.5 million settlement with its firefighters union, likely bringing an end to a 14-month legal battle.
The city and the La Verne Firefighters’ Association, Local 3624 began talks the day jury selection was set to start in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. Thomas Brown, the attorney representing the association, confirmed the news by phone but said the terms are still being finalized.
La Verne City Manager Bob Russi said any settlement would have to be approved by the City Council before it is finalized. A comment from the attorney representing La Verne is expected to be released Wednesday along with more details.
The strife between the two parties began, the association alleged, when Fire Chief Peter Jankowski retaliated against union members for supporting the mayor’s political opponent during the 2017 campaign.