And he would never ask for anything in return.". Pea asked Lancton to review the document with his attorney, sign it and return it to the office. "This Fire Chief unilaterally and this Mayor have taken every union-busting chapter in the playbook and applied it," said Lancton. fire fighters foundation of houston the official charity of the houston fire department. $241,998. HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Houston Firefighters Union members approved a "no confidence" measure brought against Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Pea. Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. Asked about the indefinite suspension, Lancton said Turner, who appointed Pea, is trying to make a political statement that this is what he does to his political enemies.. He previously reported in Philadelphia and Maryland and spent two years in the Peace Corps in Paraguay. Nearly all of Houston Fire Department's district chiefs signed a letter criticizing the department's leadership; the letter was submitted to the fire union president Sept. 3. He joined the Hearst Austin bureau in 2021 after nearly three years as a City Hall reporter for the Chronicle and a prior stint covering Bexar County for the Express-News. Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association and a frequent critic of Mayor Sylvester Turner, has been indefinitely suspended from his job at the Houston Fire Department. HOUSTON - Fire Union President Marty Lancton claims there's a "Scrooge" at City Hall whose bound and determined to ruin his Christmas. He also has filed administrative charges against other board members. Even though the administration says all the stations are open, there is somebody at the station, but there is apparatus just sitting there idle with nobody on them," said Phillips. Lancton says he has never received a direct order from Chief Sam Pena and believes the docking of his pay amounts to illegal wage withholding and intimidation. In an email last November, Pea wrote to Lancton that he did not sign or respond about your intentions to accept the MOU and informed him the offer was no longer on the table. Lancton said he had, in fact, signed the memorandum and accused Pea of retaliation and intimidation and making false statements., Pea emailed in response: I am not sure why you keep mentioning intimidation or retaliation. The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department named an interim fire chief weeks after its former leader resigned following allegations . CHRISTMAS EVE STRUGGLES: Houston fire trucks idle, unable to respond leaves firefighters concerned. In a letter to the fire union president released Tuesday, 95 of the department's 105 front line district chiefs are asking to schedule a 'no-confidence' vote in Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena . Thank you! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It is their decision to deny arbitration." Chief Justin Wells and Asst. He worked part-time jobs, starting at 14 as a lifeguard at a local YMCA. City of Houston fires firefighter union president. Scott Wilkey said members never authorized Sky-Eagle to sue the international union. That didn't mean they weren't nervous. Join others and make your gift to Houston Public Media today. Something went wrong while submitting the form. Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, has been indefinitely suspended by Houston Fire Chief Sam Pea. RELATED:Union Chief says Houston is "hemorrhaging" firefighters. My duties as president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 341 are not changing. Tommy Searcy respected the danger and stress that accompanied his job. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, testifies during a House Oversight and Accountability subcommittee hearing on COVID-19 school closures, on April 26, 2023, on . "What you usually see in the media is generally the last soundbite you get from the Mayor or the Fire Chief and that's not the whole truth," said Phillips. It's disgusting," said Lancton. Businesses are shutting down - no one, no one should be losing their wages right now," said Boykins. Chief Pea leads the third largest municipal fire departments in the country with approximately 3,900 personnel and an annual budget of over $559 million. He is also due back pay. Houston has 900 fewer responders on its payroll to cover 665 square miles, almost three times the territory. It's insane.". In a city with a lackluster labor movement that has rarely challenged authority, the protest was a rarity. Sep. 10, 2020 Updated: Sep. 11, 2020 9:12 p.m. 2 Houston Fire Department Capt. Nothing this mayor and his politically appointed fire administrator do at this point will deter us from our mission for the city's nearly 4,000 firefighters and paramedics. 2023 International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO, CLC. He juggled multiple jobs a common practice among firefighters and paramedics with several different fire departments including Manor, Channelview and Aldine-Bender. Some Galveston County residents 'fed up' with property appraisals, Astros insider: What we know about Jos Urquidy's injury so far, Smaller Houston-area school districts teachers could see $6,000, Galveston ISD superintendent blasted over 'chauvinistic' comments, String of mysterious deaths, precise cuts hit Brazos Valley cows, San Marcos OKs plan for armed marshals in elementary schools, Fort Hood confirms death of second female soldier since March, San Antonio to return looted Roman bust found at Texas Goodwill. Pena said the effort stemmed . The timing of the firing did raise some eyebrows. Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, speaks at a press conference held at the entrance to the City Hall Annex building, in downtown Houston in August 2017. Lancton says he was last paid by the city on December 3, 2020. Former Atlanta, D.C. fire chief named interim head of Kansas City Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Lancton said Pea told him the MOU document would ensure the continuity of my role as the duly elected President of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Union would not be in jeopardy.. . Tragedy followed him to Station 51 after he left the academy. Since the passage of Proposition B, the city has faced lawsuits and court actions and left dozens of firefighter cadets unhired. "When you're put in a position where people rely on you, and it's their worst day, there's not an 'oops,'" he said. Lancton's devotion to firefighters borders on piety: He describes them as "the brave men and women" of the fire service, routinely labeling them "heroes," and says they always get the job done despite low pay and poor equipment. Under Lancton's tenure, the union has taken a more adversarial stance against the city, firing off a series of lawsuits alleging bad faith during contract negotiations. "I can't perform the duties of president with these outstanding threats. He has also reported on local politics for both papers. Patrick 'Marty' Lancton, president of the firefighters union, stressed that as many as 97 district chiefs had requested the vote and added the union didn't promote the initiative, but. An indefinite suspension typically is tantamount to firing under the citys civil service rules. Joyce & Kirk Boudreaux - In Memory of Mr. Jack O. Cherry, Shawn Clarke - In Memory of Captain Al C. Young, Joseph Ferrante - In Memory of William Junior Koenig Jr, Customer Marketing Group CMG, Inc - In Memory of Jack Cherry, Nicole Beninati - In Celebration of John E Took, Richard Butcher - In Honor of Ron Butcher, Laurie McGill Charles Begley - In Honor of Ron Butcher, Beverly Dickerson - In Honor of Ron Butcher, Tom & Donna Major - In Honor of Ron Butcher, Leo & Karen Shipman - In Honor of Ron Butcher, Beth and Peter Dahlberg - In Honor of Ron Butcher, Susan Letner - In Honor of Lonnie Ray Phillips, Linda Dobbs - In Honor of Lonnie Ray Phillips, Rebecca Kusko - In Honor of Lonnie Ray Phillips, Sherell Mandolph - In Memory of Houston Mandolph, Susan Hebert - In Memory of Ms. Shirley Thomas, Treasa Taylor Doyal - In Memory of Darren Grant, Beverly & Bob Vansandt - In Memory of Marcus R. Lane, Lynn Kirby - In Memory of Joseph Cariello, Melissa Cates - In Memory of Joe Gonzalez, Kaneka North America - In Memory of Dale Blake, Sandra Marine - In Honor of Lawrence Barris 60th. Lancton says the fatigue his members continue to suffer is psychologically damaging and unsustainable. "Go visit fire stations and speak to them and find out what the real truth is, and then they will know what kind of crisis we are in," said Phillips. Pena blames the cancellation of cadet classes following the 2018 passage of "Proposition B" for the departments chronic understaffing. Houston fire union president resigns, citing threats - Chron The city of Houston Thursday confirmed it has suspended union president Marty Lancton indefinitely, which is government speak for a firing. Pena explained he had used a bank of hours donated by firefighters, but that it had run out. Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena explained to ABC13 that since the contract had expired in 2017, there was no longer an agreement to assign Lancton to union duties. The union's statement said it questioned Sky-Eagle's explanation but supported his decision to resign. Immediately upon taking office, however, Mayor Turner led an effort to cut fire fighter pensions and has fought pay raises for fire fighters ever since. Experts say oil prices and gasoline prices could be volatile through 2022, U.S. sanctions on Russian oil have Texas producers ready to up production. The arbitrator sided with the union president. Houston fire union presidents, including Lancton, historically have been exempt from working their day-to-day job as firefighters so they can handle union business. Houston Firefighters Reject Leadership Of HFD Chief Sam Pea HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The city of Houston Thursday confirmed it had suspended union president Marty Lancton indefinitely, government speak for a firing. In an EEOC complaint against Pena and the city, Lancton calls it "retaliation" and "wage theft.". He said the disagreements worsened last month after the lawsuit was filed. He retired from the Houston Fire Department after 40 years of service. YouTube page opens in new windowFacebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new windowFlickr page opens in new window, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS. Prop B, critics contend, was likely a factor in the decision. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. Houston Fire Department Chief Sam Pea promises consequences for those involved as a formal investigation is now underway to determine if public safety was impacted. Shortly afterward, he said, he met with Lancton and asked him to sign a memorandum of understanding under which Lancton would be placed on special administrative assignment and work from the fire union office as long as he was president. Over the last two years, he's covered a wide range of topics, from politics and immigration to culture and the arts. All Rights Reserved. An appeals court in Texas has upheld voter-approved collective bargaining rights for Houstons fire fighters, a landmark victory for labor in the Lone Star state and a stinging rebuke for anti-fire fighter Mayor Sylvester Turner. At one point, a pipe-and-drum corps began playing, bagpipes blaring. Follow him on Twitter or email tips to st.john.smith@chron.com. Dallas employed 2,049. "Is this the right move strategically for firefighters? Law enforcement officers were going door-to-door Sunday searching for clues about a gunman who fled after killing five people in a rural Texas . Associated Press. Beginning the first full pay period in July 2021, firefighters will receive 6% pay increase, and an additional 6 percent per year in each of the follow two fiscal years. Here's how to score the best deals on tickets, plus all the free promotions you won't want to miss. HFD is nearly doubled the Dallas Fire Department in staff. Turner campaigned against the measure, noting that it came with no funding source and stressing that the city operates under a voter-imposed cap on property tax revenues, the main source of funding for core city services like police, fire, parks and libraries. Environmentalists fear it's at the expense of reducing emissions longterm. Houston Public Media is supported with your gifts to the Houston Public Media Foundation and is licensed to the University of Houston. Read More. They supported Lancton and his crusade. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the fire, which was caused by a lightning strike and displaced 12 families, including six with students in Clear Creek ISD schools. I don't know how anybody can do a job under these conditions.". "Proposition B is well on its way to passing! That's been part of the political problem: firefighters don't care about anything other than taking care of the citizens and making sure that if the [sirens] go off, that they're there for them. "We don't have enough firefighters to fill the spots for minimum staffing.". Lancton promptly turned down a scholarship to St. Louis University in Missouri to watch out for his dad and his little brother still at home. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The city of Houston Thursday confirmed it had suspended union president Marty Lancton indefinitely, government speak for a firing. The cheers reverberated throughout White Oak Music Hall on election night even before Marty Lancton strode onstage, flanked by his lieutenants and supporters. Exhibit A - Lancton's personal City of Houston pay stubs for December which indicates total wages delivered of $2.88. There is Covid out there. If Mayor Turner, a Democrat, supports labor, he should end his attacks on fire fighter collective bargaining, Lancton says. General President Kelly and General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Lima went to Houston on their first day in office, April 9, to support President Lancton and all affiliate leaders facing attacks from elected officials. HOUSTON - Flames, floods, and gunfire. He returned home from work to find his father staring at the TV, mute and glassy eyed, aimlessly switching the channel. Lancton, reached Thursday afternoon, said the city had not officially notified him of the suspension. Chief Michael Mire that Pea had subjected him to a hostile work environment, retaliation, and intimidation., In a letter to Turner later that month, International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger demanded that Lanctons pay be reinstated, calling it one of the most anti-union, least worker-friendly, intimidation tactics that one can imagine.. In March 2017 she was elected 6 th vice president, and elected 2 nd vice president in September 2020. What concerned FOX 26 is the HFD activity Pena neglected to list, but the union documented, including hazardous material units, arson investigators, special events service, ladder trucks, wildfire suppression teams, specialized rescue squads and deployments by command staff. LAYOFFS:Turner to lay off up to 400 firefighters to fund Prop B raises. I imagine we will see the City back in yet another court and we look forward to seeing the sworn testimony of the mayor, the fire chief, the fire department command staff, and others about their latest attack on firefighters and our union.". FOX 26's Greg Groogan explains more on the upcoming court decision. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. At that point, Pea said, he put an arrangement in place for union members to donate their own time off to Lancton and other union leaders. We are so thankful that Local 341 has never backed down.. Out in the crowd, two relatively new firefighters looked on, nodding approvingly. It is their lawsuit in the court of appeals. Asked if Lanctons statement was hyperbole, Phillips responded, "No. Save on AeroGarden indoor herb growing kits at Amazon, Dyson's air purifying headphones have finally arrived, Preorder 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' today, Astros vs Phillies: How to get tickets and free swag this weekend, There are a ton of great patio furniture sets on sale right now, Heat and humidity head to Houston as summer approaches, Why this scenic train ride is considered one of Colorado's best. Firefighters cheered their union boss that November evening, even if they didn't know exactly what would come. Former City Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Dwight Boykins called the political hard-ball, disheartening, especially during the middle of national health crisis. Now, the two are embroiled in an increasingly high-stakes battle over firefighter pay, which culminated in the passage of Proposition B. 95 of 105 Houston . Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Firefghters Association, talks to Roy Cormier as he works in his office the IAFF Local 341 union hall on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Houston. Abbotts concert safety task force, Appellate Court Reverses Prop B Ruling That Blocked Pay Parity For Houston Firefighters, Houston-area schools scrap field trips to see James and the Giant Peach over concerns about cross-gender casting at Main Street Theater, Galveston ISD superintendent criticized for gender-related comments during groundbreaking ceremony, Corpus Christi-area man accused of murder over $40 parking dispute near Downtown Houston, MS 150 Bike Ride in Houston will span 100 miles to College Station, Initial Ike Dike funding could come through later this year, Supreme Court allows Texas death row inmate to pursue DNA testing of clothes, murder weapon, Massive seaweed blob unlikely to majorly affect Galveston, other Texas beaches, researcher says, Harris County law enforcement will soon be responsible for drug testing before they can arrest low-level drug offenders, DA's office says, Harris County officials devote nearly $5 million to help incarcerated women reenter society. Texas manhunt for Francisco Oropesa: Community members on edge following reported sighting in Montgomery Co. WINDOWS SMASHED: Every single car 'maybe 20 or 30 cars' with busted windows on a single Houston street, Shocking details revealed during 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow's murder trial: Live updates, Harris County mother arrested, accused of leaving her 3 children home alone for an hour. HPFFA president Marty Lancton celebrates after Prop B passed during a watch party at the White Oak Music Hall Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, in Houston. Asst. The Court of Appeals in Texas affirmed a lower court ruling won by Houston Local 341, repeatedly dismissing the citys arguments. "You do have to give him credit for being very effective in pushing through the popular vote, essentially overcoming the numerous hurdles Turner placed in his path.". The MOU also said Lancton would suffer no loss of longevity, seniority, pension, leave, or any other benefits under the arrangement. Some carried signs bearing new slogans: "The voters are not stupid, Mayor," and "Solidarity.". Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer, Abbott calls Texas shooting victims illegal immigrants', Texas shooting: Suspected shooter possibly spotted, sheriff says, Shooting survivors: San Jacinto family only sought small favor, FBI briefly releases photo of wrong Francisco Oropeza, Sunday vigil, expanded manhunt and more on Cleveland shooting. FOX26 contacted multiple members of City Council most of whom were unaware of the Lancton pay issue and expressed alarm. He says he didn't receive any money on the next payday. He said he has not received a city paycheck since late 2020. Your subscription will be migrated over. Lancton has relentlessly attacked Turner, accusing him of playing games with the city's accounting to avoid political embarrassment. Lancton ran again in 2016 with the slogan, "Expect more," and won with 58 percent of the vote just months after Turner stepped into the mayor's office. Firefighters, who hadn't gotten a raise since 2011, were irate. He's fighting for everybody. The statement cited the lawsuit; administrative charges the local's board lodged against him and the international union's upcoming trial on those allegations; and the 93 percent of voting members who, in June, rejected the proposed contract his team negotiated with Mayor Annise Parker's administration.
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