You can read the action of the hearing officer of the PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RELATIONS COMMISSION below but the just of it is the that City of Lakeland and the Fire Chiefs violated Chapter 447 and caused unfair labor practice and committed retaliation against firefighters.
In order to effectuate the purposes of Chapter 447, Part II, the hearing officer recommends that the Commission adopt the findings of fact and conclusions of law set forth above, and enter an order directing the City to:
1. Cease and desist from:
(a) Discouraging membership in any employee organization by discrimination with regard to hiring, tenure, or other conditions of employment; and
(b) In any like or related manner interfering with, restraining, or coercing bargaining unit members in the exercise of any rights guaranteed under them under Chapter 447, Part II, Florida Statutes.
2. Take the following affirmative action:
(a) Immediately rescind Turbeville’s written reprimand dated February 23, 2021, and issued on March 5, 2021; CA-2021-012 44
(b) Expunge all personnel files regarding any reference to Turbeville’s written reprimand dated February 23, 2021, and issued on March 5, 2021;
(c) Immediately return Burns to his Lieutenant assignment and shift at Station 1, and immediately return Gilman to his Lieutenant assignment and shift at Station 7, restoring the status quo to them that existed prior to their May 4, 2021, transfers;
(d) Post a Notice to Employees, which will be issued by the Commission; 21 and
(e) Pay to the Union its reasonable attorney’s fees and costs associated with litigating this case.
Any party may file exceptions to my recommended order, but exceptions must be received by the Commission within fifteen days from the date of this order. See Fla. Admin. Code R. 28-106.217.
Comment from the City of Lakeland, “The City of Lakeland received the recommended order of the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission Hearing Officer earlier this morning. The City is reviewing the order and will assess the appropriate legal options upon completion of its review.” Kevin Cook Director of Communications City of Lakeland.
“I’m humbled by the overwhelming support I’ve received from my family, friends and co-workers, and the superior legal representation graciously provided by the International Association of Fire Fighters,” Turbeville said in a written statement. “My priority as union president remains the same: To work collaboratively with the City to fairly represent the firefighters that the citizens of Lakeland have entrusted with their lives.”