DECISION SUMMARY
(Cross References R 1977-001, UC 1979-015, R 1981-012,
UC 1981-029, TA 1996-033 and UC 1997-009)
International Association of Fire Fighters, Local 2543 v.
City of Popular Bluff, Missouri
IAFF filed a petition for unit clarification of an existing bargaining unit. In its petition IAFF sought to include in the bargaining unit Captains and Shift Commanders. During the hearing, IAFF orally amended its petition to reflect that it was no longer seeking to represent the Shift Commanders. At the close of taking evidence, IAFF moved to further amend its petition to clarify the bargaining unit to read all Fire Fighters and Captains, excluding Shift Commanders, Assistant Chief and the Chief. The Department conceded the need for some clarification of the bargaining unit, but continued to object to the inclusion of the Captains in the bargaining unit.
The Board found that this case clearly presented substantially changed circumstances that warranted a review and clarification of the entire bargaining unit. The majority of the Board found that the Captains were supervisors. The majority of the Board clarified the entire bargaining unit to read: all Fire Fighters, excluding Captains, Shift Commanders, Safety Inspector, Mechanic, Assistant Chief and Chief.
The employer member dissented in part. The dissent would hold that the Captains were Lead Workers and not supervisors. The dissent would include the Captains in the bargaining unit.
Date Issued: May 5, 2000