Friday, March 29, 2024

ATTLEBORO: FIREFIGHTERS DENIED INJURED ON DUTY STATUS

ATTLEBORO FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL #848

ATTLEBORO — Attleboro Firefighters Local 848 confirmed today that another one of their Members tested positive for COVID-19.  This is after the recent coronavirus outbreak where eleven Firefighters and two dispatchers tested positive.  

 

Said Member has been hospitalized due to the severity of symptoms at Sturdy Memorial Hospital.  

 

Local 848 has been notified that the City of Attleboro has denied Injured on Duty (IOD) status to this and other Firefighters testing positive for COVID-19.      

“Mayor Heroux’s arbitrary and capricious decision to deny benefits to our hospitalized Member is unconscionable,” Local 848 President Jacques said.  “At a time of such vulnerability for our Firefighters to have medical coverage withdrawn and contractual obligations denied is unacceptable.  Heroux really needs to look in the mirror and correct this injustice.”

Local 848 has strong infectious disease presumptive language in their Collective Bargaining Agreement to cover Members affected by COVID and other exposures faced. 

 

Communications to the Mayor have gone ignored resulting in Local 848 filing grievances at the Local and State level to include an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge.  

 

As the pandemic continues, with the support of Fire Chief Scott Lachance, Local 848 will continue to reach out to the Administration to resolve these issues for the safety of its Members and the residents they are obligated by oath to protect.   

Attleboro Firefighters Local 848 can be reached at (508) 922-4394 or via email presidentlocal848@gmail.com