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Milford fire commission denies union grievance over medic bidding, 4–2
Summary
The Milford Fire Commission voted 4–2 to deny grievance 26-08 after union leaders said combining Medic 1 and Medic 2 prevented 16 members from bidding by seniority; city officials cited management prerogative and inconsistent past practice dating to 2017.
The Milford Fire Commission voted 4–2 on May 21 to deny grievance 26‑08, in which Local 944 objected that members were denied their contractually guaranteed right to bid by seniority for Medic 1 and Medic 2.
Ryan LaGuardia, president of Local 944, told the commission the union’s attorney advised members to attach an addendum to the bid sheet after older practice of writing preferences had been removed. "We have been writing it in since 2017 up until this year," LaGuardia said, arguing the change prevented 16 members from bidding for their positions by seniority.
City officials disputed the claim that a contract breach had occurred. Assistant City Attorney Deborah Kelly said the collective bargaining agreement does not explicitly reference "Medic 1" or "Medic 2," and that the contract reserves staffing decisions to management: "It is management prerogative to staff the department in a way that best serves the needs of the department and the citizens," Kelly said.
Chief Anthony Fbrezy and assistant chiefs explained that operational considerations — balancing paramedic coverage across shifts, apparatus driver qualifications and specialized assignments such as marine and hazmat response — shaped assignments. Chief Mike North described the scheduling task as complex and said shifting medics across platoons preserves response capability and reduces wear on apparatus.
Union leaders said earlier bargaining and past practice supported write‑in preferences; the union also has an outstanding, related grievance now before the state arbitration board. After a closed executive session, commissioners returned and voted to deny the grievance by roll call (four commissioners in favor of denial, two opposed).
The commission’s public record shows the grievance was considered in executive session; no votes or actions were taken during that closed meeting. The commission’s denial restores management’s assignment discretion pending any outcome from the separate arbitration proceeding.
