Richmond board hears long grievance over unpaid overtime for paramedic training; final decision tabled to July 24

The Richmond City Board of Public Works and Safety on July 17 heard extensive testimony in a grievance by firefighter Michael Stoltzfus over unpaid overtime while attending paramedic training and voted to table a final decision until the board's July 24 meeting.

The dispute centers on whether Stoltzfus is owed pay for time spent in a grant-funded paramedic program and, if so, how much. Board member Pals proposed a compromise motion to partially grant the grievance and pay half the contested overtime, with stipulations including written authorization by the fire chief for future classes and language intended to avoid altering existing contract provisions. That proposed motion drew sustained questioning from the union, fire administration and the board's legal advisers and was not adopted; the board instead voted to table the grievance to July 24 for a final answer.

Why this matters: The case raises questions about the interaction of the city's pre-employment and reimbursement agreements, collective bargaining terms (including a 10-day deadline for filing grievances), and federal wage-and-hour regulations that apply when training is required or directed by an employer. Union representatives warned…