Firefighters Union Blasts City Manager

City Manager Charles Theofan has come under fire after two rulings against him earlier this year.

A state Supreme Court judge ruled in June that Theofan violating Civil Service law when he assigned less-experienced firefighters to the position of acting lieutenant during tours when lieutenants were out sick or on vacation; and a state administrative law judge found in September that Theofan interfered with union activities prior to a union election and thereby violated a provision of an employment act called the Taylor Law.

The Long Beach Herald reports details on the two cases that, with statements from both Theofan and union President Bill Piazza, touch on issues of minimal manning, gaming the overtime system, hiring additional firefighters, promotions, lawsuits, interfering in union elections, coercing union members, and violating of the city’s charter and oath of office.