Board examines firemen complaint

SALEM -- Ohio's employment relations board is examining a complaint filed recently by the city against the union representing Salem's firefighters.
In its complaint, the city claims the International Association of Firefighters, Local 283, violated labor regulations through a letter to the editor written by union president Tom Eastek and published in a local newspaper, Mayor Larry DeJane said today.
The letter contained misleading statements regarding the labor negotiations process, the city claims.
The city also alleges the union violated labor law by failing to notify the city in advance that fire chief Walt Greenamyer was going to testify on behalf of the union at an employment relations board hearing.
The city is asking the board to overturn a minimum staffing clause contained in a binding arbitration report issued in December by a conciliator brought in to effect a settlement between the sides.
The report also included pay raises totaling 10 percent over three years.