Indy Firefighters Sue over Changes to Health Care

Posted by: Curt Varone September 9, 2014 1 Comment

Indianapolis firefighters and police unions have filed suit against the city seeking to block a proposed change in health care. IAFF Local 416 and FOP Lodge 86 claim that the city’s unilateral change from the current Advantage HMO plan to a health saving account violates the terms of their collective bargaining agreements.

According to Lodge 86’s web site:

The suit is based upon the City’s breach of our collective bargaining agreement as well as the City’s failure to notify us of the changes while seeking a contract extension from us last year. Neither organization desired legal action and we have continued to work our way up the chain of command within the City Administration. After meeting with the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, we were notified today there is no change in their position. As a last resort, a lawsuit was filed today.

According to the web site, the suit was filed on August 28, 2014.

The IndyStar quoted IAFF Local 416 President Mike Reeves as saying: “It’s not that we’re unwilling to work with them. … We don’t think they have the contractual abilities to do that.”

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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