Northampton firefighters suing city

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A labor union local that represents Northampton firefighters is suing the city for nonpayment of wages.

The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 108 has filed a lawsuit naming the City of Northampton, Mayor David Narkewicz, and Fire Chief Brian Duggan as defendants, according to union local President Michael Hatch.

According to Hatch, in July of 2011, then-Mayor Mary Clare Higgins had frozen the wages of firefighters in the local. Under their contract, firefighters were supposed to have their salaries increased in a series of “steps” based upon their years of service, with eighth-year firefighters receiving the highest pay level. Hatch says that the city’s action to freeze this system had violated state bargaining and wage laws.

“The city has a legal obligation to pay incremental raises as a firefighter gains more seniority and experience,” Hatch said. “The city has disregarded this obligation.”

Hatch told 22News that the city had promised to negotiate with the firefighters, but nothing has happened so far.

In the lawsuit, which was filed in Hampshire Superior Court, the union local is seeking withheld wages, legal fees, three times the amount of damage withheld, plus interest (something that is required under state law if a government is found to be violating labor laws.) Hatch said that they also want assurance that this will not happen again.

22News has put in a call to the Northampton Mayor’s office, and we are awaiting comment from them.