Opinion ID: 2163453
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Factual and Procedural Background: The Objected-to City Plan of Reorganization

Text: On March, 24, 1976, Fire Commissioner Jefferson issued a press release indicating that the city intended to close one fire station, eliminate four tactical mobile squads as well as three engine and two ladder companies, demote an unspecified number of officers (ostensibly to increase the fire fighter/fire chief ratio), and transfer certain personnel in an apparent attempt to strengthen certain overburdened fire companies. This plan was to be implemented on March 29, 1976, without prior discussion, allegedly in furtherance of a city-wide April 4 projected layoff scheme. [7] On March 25, 1976, one day after the issuance of Commissioner Jefferson's press release, the association filed a written protest with the city objecting to the press release proposals. The association maintained that the proposed plan violated both PERA and various provisions of the parties' collective bargaining agreement, demanded good faith bargaining, and insisted that the city refrain from implementing the reorganization pending such negotiations. The letter also requested certain information more precisely describing the reorganization's effects on personnel. The following day, the Fire Commissioner issued a separate bulletin proposing the demotion of approximately 150 officers. Further, a meeting was held between city and association representatives to consider the association's objections. Concurrent with this meeting, the association petitioned Judge O'Hair for a temporary restraining order relative to the city's intended reorganization. That petition was granted and an order issued. Subsequent to Judge O'Hair's restraining order, on March 27 and 29, 1976, the Fire Commissioner issued two further bulletins which substantially sought to fulfill the terms of the March 24 reorganization press release. On March 29, 1976, the city sought to implement the bulletins without the benefit of prior bargaining with association representatives. Insofar as such attempted implementation was determined by Judge O'Hair to be contrary to his March 26 temporary restraining order, the Fire Department's Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, and Acting Chief were held in civil contempt. The city subsequently abandoned its disputed activities.