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PORTLAND FIRE FIGHTERS ASSOCIATION Local 43 IAFF, Petitioner on Review
vs.
CITY OF PORTLAND, Respondent on Review
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Issues:
Public employee, union issues, collective bargaining.
Case Summary:
Union firefighters with the Portland Fire Department appeal a lower court's decision supporting the city in a collective bargaining dispute. The city attempted to limit to 24 the number of firefighters allowed to be on vacation at one time. The union contested the action, claiming the change was made without the union's consent. The city refused to discuss the issue. The union filed a complaint alleging an unfair labor practice.
Decision of lower jurisdiction:
The Employment Relations Board decided in favor of the city. On judicial review, the Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed the ERB's ruling. The union now appeals to the Oregon Supreme Court.
Outcome:
The firefighters win. The State Supreme Court reversed the decisions of the lower jurisdictions. The court said the city's refusal to negotiate the issue amounted to an unfair labor practice. The case was remanded to the state employment board for additional review.