Arbitrator Rules Ohio Fire Fighter Reinstated

December 11, 2008 – An arbitrator has ruled that Union Township, OH Local 3412, President Jamie Osborne be reinstated and that union officers are not required to divulge union activities.

“We believe that the arbitrator handed down fair rulings in these grievance cases,” says Osborne. “I am looking forward to returning to work.”

In November 2007, Local 3412 endorsed Democratic challenger Cliff Johnson over incumbent Trustee Matt Beamer. Not long after, Union Township Administrator Doug Walker accused Osborne of insubordination and recommended that he be terminated.

Walker accused Osborne of allowing the distribution of campaign fliers in pizza boxes to on-duty Local 3412 fire fighters. The Township does not allow employees to campaign on the job.

After Osborne was fired, Local 3412 fire fighters filed a formal grievance against the Township. After reviewing the case, an arbitrator released a ruling to reinstate Osborne. However, the Township has yet to notify Osborne about when he can return to work.

A second grievance was filed after the Township demanded that union officers divulge information related to union activities. The arbitrator ruled the Township had no jurisdiction over union time and could not require the release of related information.