Transfer of DC Firefighter President "Retaliation," Arbitrator Says

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)An independent arbitrator on October 19 ruled in favor of DC Fire Firefighters Local 36 president Ed Smith (at right), saying that Smith’s transfer was clearly retaliation against Smith for engaging in protected union activity.  Smith had been transferred after speaking to the media about discriminatory DC Fire Department practices regarding pregnant female firefighters and the shortage of city ambulances. “This arbitration is bigger than me,” said Smith. “It’s about our union as a whole and that the Firefighters Union, along with other unions in this city, have protected rights and these rights must be respected.” Smith urged Mayor Gray and the DC City Council to “hold the Fire Chief accountable.”