Opinion ID: 2651362
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Administrative and Legal Actions

Text: On December 3, 2010, Pierce initiated this action against the Cotuit Fire Department, the Board, and Chief Olsen and Commissioners Campbell, Mycock, and Field in their individual capacities. Pierce sued the Department and the Board for political discrimination in violation of the First Amendment and for retaliation in violation of the Massachusetts Whistleblower Act. He sued Olsen, Campbell, Mycock, and Field for political discrimination and retaliation in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and for tortious interference with contractual relations in violation of the common law. That same day, Pierce also initiated a step one grievance against Olsen regarding his suspension without pay under the Cotuit Fire Department's Collective Bargaining Agreement. On -10- December 19, 2010, Pierce submitted a step two grievance regarding the same matter. On May 8, 2011, less than a month after Pierce's termination, the Board entered into a settlement agreement with the firefighter's union that permitted Pierce to return to work as a full-time firefighter, while restricting Pierce's ability to work on any shift with his wife. The union consequently withdrew a scheduled arbitration regarding Pierce's grievances. Pierce objected to the settlement, but eventually returned to work as a firefighter. After the defendants moved for summary judgment, the district court entered judgment in their favor on all claims. Pierce now appeals.