In a major legal victory for fire fighters and union rights, a federal jury has unanimously awarded $1 million in damages to two IAFF members who were wrongfully terminated for organizing their department and speaking out on matters of public concern.
Harrodsburg, KY Local 5418 President Derrick Steele and Secretary-Treasurer Jamie Bottom were fired by the City of Harrodsburg in violation of their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of association. The jury also found their terminations violated Kentucky state law.
“This verdict sends a clear message: workers have a fundamental right to union representation,” said General President Edward Kelly. “This was a tremendous win for our members and families. President Steele and Secretary-Treasurer Bottom courageously stood up for what’s right – and the IAFF proudly stood with them.”
The case, tried in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky in Lexington, revealed a pattern of anti-union conduct by Harrodsburg’s mayor and other city officials. That conduct culminated in the unlawful firings shortly after Steele and Bottom were elected to lead the newly chartered Local 5418.
“The city looked to make an example out of them for joining the IAFF,” said 8th District Vice President Mark Sanders. “They endeavored to wreck their reputations and their families’ futures. But the IAFF never gave up on Brothers Steele and Bottom. Our union fought to make this right.”
This verdict sends a clear message: workers have a fundamental right to union representation.
general president edward kelly
Kelly authorized support through the IAFF Guardian Policy, a program that protects IAFF leaders from retaliation for engaging in protected speech and union activity. This enabled the IAFF’s General Counsel’s Office to lead the legal effort on behalf of the two fire fighters.
“The court’s decision affirms the right of fire fighters to form a union and advocate for public safety without fear of dismissal or reprisal,” IAFF General Counsel Peter Leff said.
Sanders said support from the IAFF and Kentucky Professional Fire Fighters President Joe Baer, Secretary-Treasurer Kevin Pletzke, and District Vice President Jerry Stephens made a difference throughout a difficult circumstance.
The city looked to make an example out of them for joining the IAFF. They endeavored to wreck their reputations and their families’ futures. But the IAFF never gave up on Brothers Steele and Bottom. Our union fought to make this right.
8th District Vice President Mark Sanders
“The IAFF’s legal team knocked it out of the park, and President Baer and his team had the backs of our brothers for the last two and a half years,” he added.
The City of Harrodsburg has 30 days to file an appeal from the date of final judgment.
