Court Upholds Philadelphia Local 22 Contract

September 12, 2006 – The Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County First Judicial District of Pennsylvania has upheld Philadelphia, PA Local 22’s arbitration award, despite the City’s attempt to appeal several portions of the contract. The City took issue with provisions that would seek to improve paramedic stress levels, safe staffing and certain benefits. The court denied the City’s appeals.

“This is a total victory for the members of Local 22 and the public we serve,” says Brian McBride, president of Local 22. “The June arbitration was a fair award that considered both fire fighter safety and economic concerns. Now, the court has reaffirmed that.”

City officials appealed the provision that calls for a mandatory independent-review process for future company eliminations, with binding arbitration over disputes and no eliminations pending completion of the process.

The City also took issue with another provision that will create a pilot ALS-engine program for paramedics. Philadelphia has one of the highest EMS unit run volumes in the country. This trial program could lead to ways to give currently overworked paramedics some relief.

“Those two provisions, in particular, were designed to protect the safety of fire fighters, paramedics and the citizens they serve,” says McBride. “We have to prevent any attempts at dangerous fire company closures, and we have to make sure our paramedics do not get stretched too thin. The risks are just too high.”

Other appealed provisions included firehouse diesel fume ventilation, holiday leave, uniform allowance and tuition reimbursement.

The City has 30 days to make a second appeal to the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.