Lancton claims to have a memo codifying the union assignment from 2019. Supporters say he reinvigorated a demoralized rank-and-file, repaired relations with the black firefighters' association and other groups, and worked to make the union more inclusive. RELATED:Houston fire union, fire chief disagree on reason for critical shortage of firefighters. Samuel Pea is a 28-year veteran of the fire service and has been chief of the Houston Fire Department (HFD) since December 19, 2016. He returned home from work to find his father staring at the TV, mute and glassy eyed, aimlessly switching the channel. "The union president should be firefighter rank," said Gaylon Davenport, a past president of the Houston Black Fire Fighters Association. The letter says Lancton was told of the violation on Dec. 3, the day his pay was initially docked. He said he has not received a city paycheck since late 2020. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. Exhibit A - Lancton's personal City of Houston pay stubs for December which indicates total wages delivered of $2.88. It's disgusting," said Lancton. Exhibit A - Lancton's personal City of Houston pay stubs for December which indicates total wages delivered of $2.88. HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Houston Firefighters Union members approved a "no confidence" measure brought against Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Pea. A week later, Lancton and another cadet sat by Johnson's bedside with his family during his final hours. Why are Texans electricity bills so high right now? She has been employed with Child Youth Services since 1993. ", EARLY RETURNS:Houston's Prop B on firefighter pay 'parity' up in early returns. He previously reported in Philadelphia and Maryland and spent two years in the Peace Corps in Paraguay. Your subscription will be migrated over. He provided a signed copy of the MOU that he said was sent to HFD officials in January last year. "They'll put duct tape around something. "However, there is a risk at pushing too hard, where you actually put your own people at risk and their jobs and livelihoods. Oops! "That's where all the rhetoric changed," said Sky-Eagle, who also is a lawyer. He and his brothers attended Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, a local all-boys Catholic school with more than 1,000 pupils. HFD is the third largest fire department in the United States and is responsible for preserving life and property to a population of more than 2.3 million in an area totaling 654 square miles. Here's what the data says. The suit, which sought at least $300,000 in damages, was ultimately settled, court records show. Read More. Chief Phillips believes the shortages are compromising public safety. Follow him on Twitter or email tips to [email protected]. Lancton has relentlessly attacked Turner, accusing him of playing games with the city's accounting to avoid political embarrassment. Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, IAFF-Local 341 Marty Lancton, the head of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, gets ready to speak during a march on City Hall over the labor dispute related to Proposition B on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, in Houston. SUPPORT THE OFFICIAL CHARITY OF THE HOUSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT TODAY WITH A CONTRIBUTION! There were also signs of what would come. It is their decision to deny arbitration." "You do have to give him credit for being very effective in pushing through the popular vote, essentially overcoming the numerous hurdles Turner placed in his path.". "I'm not an attorney, but I do know this: Proposition B is. No one has said or taken any steps to make you think that and I would ask that you not make those false accusations.. Houston firefighters strive to deliver excellent service, remain thoughtful stewards of community resources, and give back to the communities we serve. FOX26 contacted multiple members of City Council most of whom were unaware of the Lancton pay issue and expressed alarm. he stated, "I have been a member of the Houston Fire Fighters Federal Credit Union since 1967. Flanagan stepped. "What you usually see in the media is generally the last soundbite you get from the Mayor or the Fire Chief and that's not the whole truth," said Phillips. His paycheck was just $2.88, thousands short of what he normally receives. BIDDING FAREWELL:Family, friends and thousands of mourners to remember 'Iron Bill'. They lived for a time in Simonton before returning to Houston. Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena explained to ABC13 that since the contract had expired in 2017, there was no longer an agreement to assign Lancton to union duties. Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. Under the last several union contracts, the president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association president is paid an HFD salary but assigned full time to union duties. Support the official foundation of the Houston Fire Fighters and our community heroes by contributing today! Chief Pea leads the third largest municipal fire departments in the country with approximately 3,900 personnel and an annual budget of over $559 million. All Rights Reserved. Sky-Eagle was elected in October 2013 to a three-year term. Fitch is owned by Hearst, the same company that owns the Chronicle. "I will defend the rights given to the firefighters by the citizens every single day," he said. "We are absolutely at a breaking point, in fact, we are way beyond a breaking point," said Marty Lancton President of the Houston Professional Firefighters Association. No injuries or fatalities were reported in the fire, which was caused by a lightning strike and displaced 12 families, including six with students in Clear Creek ISD schools. They say Lancton has happily embraced bully tactics and demagoguery to achieve his ends, accumulating lawsuits, straining relationships and entangling the union in an uncomfortable fight with police labor groups over the pay issue. **Please note** If you are already signed up for the newsletter, you do not need to sign up again. About 2014, he started going to the union hall on his off days, helping firefighters fight city grievances, then serving as the union's communications director. Lancton said he has not burdened his members with the pay issue before going public. Fire Chief Sam Pea issued the . Lancton's devotion to firefighters borders on piety: He describes them as "the brave men and women" of the fire service, routinely labeling them "heroes," and says they always get the job done despite low pay and poor equipment. 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Marty Lancton was fired back in January, but an arbitrator said the city was wrong to do it. He juggled multiple jobs a common practice among firefighters and paramedics with several different fire departments including Manor, Channelview and Aldine-Bender. Critics, however, say his relentless advocacy misses the bigger picture of what will make the city thrive as a whole. That's been part of the political problem: firefighters don't care about anything other than taking care of the citizens and making sure that if the [sirens] go off, that they're there for them. The arbitrator ruled that when Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pea decided to terminate that memorandum, he did not give Lancton the proper notice and violated his due process rights. The room exploded in applause and whistles, as hundreds of firefighters and their families celebrated. Here's how to score the best deals on tickets, plus all the free promotions you won't want to miss. No. Crawford, Sr. Kendra Epperson - In Honor Of Blake Steffenaur, Mary Raymond - In Memory of Shirley Thomas, CBRE Group - In Memory of Anthony Morado Sr. (retired Senior Captain of HFD). And yet, despite a population that's grown substantially, fewer first responders are in place to react and rescue when crisis strikes. International Association of Fire Fighters. A native of San Francisco, he graduated from Northwestern University in 2017 with degrees in journalism and political science, and has interned for the Tampa Bay Times, Washington Post and Fortune magazine. No longer a City employee, Phillips is now willing and able to speak freely. He also has filed administrative charges against other board members. Immediately upon taking office, however, Mayor Turner led an effort to cut fire fighter pensions and has fought pay raises for fire fighters ever since. learn more. He says he didn't receive any money on the next payday. His first firefighting job took him in 2000 to the Cedar Park Fire Department north of Austin. "We called him 'the politician,'" said Perry McClendon, who sat behind Lancton during the academy. Texas manhunt for Francisco Oropesa: Community members on edge following reported sighting in Montgomery Co. WINDOWS SMASHED: Every single car 'maybe 20 or 30 cars' with busted windows on a single Houston street, Shocking details revealed during 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow's murder trial: Live updates, Harris County mother arrested, accused of leaving her 3 children home alone for an hour. Pena explained he had used a bank of hours donated by firefighters, but that it had run out. "I can't perform the duties of president with these outstanding threats. Join others and make your gift to Houston Public Media today. An appeals court in Texas has upheld voter-approved collective bargaining rights for Houstons fire fighters, a landmark victory for labor in the Lone Star state and a stinging rebuke for anti-fire fighter Mayor Sylvester Turner. Three and a half years later, relations between Turner and his one-time advocate have shifted beyond recognition. The Houston Police Officers' Union sued in an attempt to block Prop B's implementation, saying it was unconstitutional. According to a statement, "The city of Houston's political and legal war on Houston firefighters has reached a new low. I imagine we will see the City back in yet another court and we look forward to seeing the sworn testimony of the mayor, the fire chief, the fire department command staff, and others about their latest attack on firefighters and our union.". General President Kelly and General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Lima went to Houston on their first day in office, April 9, to support President Lancton and all affiliate leaders facing attacks from elected officials. Critics say Lancton's aggressive bargaining style could backfire by forcing sharp cuts to the fire department. On June 30, 2021, Houston City Council voted to approve an Ordinance providing Houston Firefighters with an 18 percent pay raise over 3 fiscal years. After the lawsuit was settled, city leaders tried to recoup money it had paid in death benefits, a move that enraged firefighters. Lancton will remain president of the union. He's recently retired after serving the citizens of Houston for four decades, rising to the rank of HFD District Chief. Former City Councilman and Mayoral Candidate Dwight Boykins called the political hard-ball, disheartening, especially during the middle of national health crisis. Lancton quickly channeled his outrage into new-found activism. This latest salvo started in late fall when Lancton was re-assigned to the Houston Fire Department's training academy. Lancton, the president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, drank in the crowd, reveling in victory. That's more than a 400% increase. Peas letter notifying the union head of his suspension notes that Lancton, who has been with the Houston Fire Department since 2007, has no previous discipline history. The continued battle between firefighters and the city has already emerged as an issue in Turner's re-election bid this year. It should be a signal for the mayor to end the vindictive, taxpayer-funded legal campaign against Houston fire fighters and our families, says Local 341 President Marty Lancton. Your subscription will be migrated over. Pena said the effort stemmed . Troy Peschke - Dedicated to Lucas Peschkes 3rd Birthday Fundraising Bash! "We cannot give away hours," Pena told ABC13. He's fighting for everybody. Then the fight is no longer a political fight with the mayor, it actually starts affecting city services as a whole.". But first he had to get over one hurdle: Lancton didn't mind the idea of fighting fires, but blood terrified him. Texas manhunt for Francisco Oropesa: Community members on edge following reported sighting in Montgomery Co. WINDOWS SMASHED: Every single car 'maybe 20 or 30 cars' with busted windows on a single Houston street, Shocking details revealed during 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow's murder trial: Live updates, Harris County mother arrested, accused of leaving her 3 children home alone for an hour. April 30, 2023 12:19 PM PT. The city of Houston Thursday confirmed it has suspended union president Marty Lancton indefinitely, which is government speak for a firing. Pea asked Lancton to review the document with his attorney, sign it and return it to the office. The chief said Lancton never returned the MOU, which meant he no longer was exempt from working his day-to-day firefighter job. He helped secure massive a massive pay raise for Houston firefighters through Proposition B, a 2018 voter-approved charter amendment granting firefighters the same pay as police officers of similar rank, but a state district judge ruled the measure unconstitutional and void. $300,000+ donated toward life saving equipment, SUPPORT THE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN THAT PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY WITH A PERSONAL CONTRIBUTION. "Proposition B is well on its way to passing! SUGGESTED: Houston FD collective bargaining, backpay issue goes before TX Supreme Court. "Is it good for the city?" In a state where labor groups are historically weak, Lancton has wielded the tactics of an old-fashioned New York ward leader meeting hundreds of firefighters and going station to station and shift to shift. Houston Firefighters Union President Marty Lancton says the City of Houston is refusing to pay just in time for the holidays. Since then, it has been near constant battle in courts of law and public opinion as firefighters push for their first raise in more than a decade. What concerned FOX 26 is the HFD activity Pena neglected to list, but the union documented, including hazardous material units, arson investigators, special events service, ladder trucks, wildfire suppression teams, specialized rescue squads and deployments by command staff. Businesses are shutting down - no one, no one should be losing their wages right now," said Boykins. He retired from the Houston Fire Department after 40 years of service. GOP leaders say ballot shortage was targeted at Republicans. I just don't think it's difficult for people to understand.". Was Hidalgo right when comparing winter storm to Cat 5 hurricane? Scott Wilkey said members never authorized Sky-Eagle to sue the international union. "If you're not effective, then you can't positively impact the people that rely on you to advocate on their behalf.". His letter said he was stepping down because of "threatening emails" and subsequent threats of "imminent violence" against him and his family. He is also due back pay. Lucio Vasquez is a newscast producer at Houston Public Media, NPRs affiliate station in Houston, Texas. CLEVELAND, Texas . The station was among several that responded in 2013 to the Southwest Inn Fire, where four firefighters died and another was permanently injured and later died in what remains the worst tragedy in HFD history. Under Lancton's tenure, the union has taken a more adversarial stance against the city, firing off a series of lawsuits alleging bad faith during contract negotiations. FOX 26 Reporter Greg Groogan spoke with Firefighter Union President Marty Lancton and a retired Houston Fire Department District Chief about whether the city does have enough first responders to protect its residents. Phillips says brutal overtime demands and deteriorating conditions have triggered an onslaught of departures. The firefighters' union has a long history of aggressive negotiations with city leaders, but Lancton, a West University Place native who took over the union three years ago, raised the stakes with the unorthodox move of taking the issue of a pay raise straight to the voters. City leaders initially tried to deny death benefits for his relatives, a move that galled Lancton, his fellow cadets and the rest of the rank-and-file. However, the punishment, like all discipline issued to police and firefighters, can be appealed. If Mayor Turner, a Democrat, supports labor, he should end his attacks on fire fighter collective bargaining, Lancton says. In a letter to the city's civil service. "This Fire Chief unilaterally and this Mayor have taken every union-busting chapter in the playbook and applied it," said Lancton. Jasper Scherer covers Texas politics and government for the Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News. His father recovered, only to die from cancer six years later, when Lancton was 24. FOX 26's Greg Groogan explains more on the upcoming court decision. the president of the . He worked part-time jobs, starting at 14 as a lifeguard at a local YMCA. A Chronicle investigation reveals the extent of the ballot paper shortage in Harris County's November election, including how the shortages could impact the future of Texas' election laws. I find that the totality of the evidence discovered in this investigation indicates a blatant disregard for HFD Rules & Regulations FF Lancton's blatant refusal to comply with a lawful order and flout my authority as Fire Chief will negatively impact my ability to maintain discipline and good order with HFD in furtherance of its mission. Chris Vacek - In Memory of R.C. All rights reserved. Houston Public Media is supported with your gifts to the Houston Public Media Foundation and is licensed to the University of Houston. City documents obtained by Houston Public Media indicate Houston police Chief Troy Finner, fire Chief Samuel Pea, and Houston Police Officers Union President Douglas Griffith were all. HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- After eight months without a paycheck, the. Here's a little history, according to an ongoing "memo of understanding" consistently honored in the past by the City, the Fire Union President is assigned to "special administrative duty" as the sole liaison between 4,000 firefighters and the City of Houston. PREVIOUS STORY: City of Houston fires firefighter union president. Pena concedes the department is understaffed by at least 270 firefighters and the workload has increased substantially since 2017. For additional insight and the latest developments, follow Ted Oberg on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. In an email last November, Pea wrote to Lancton that he did not sign or respond about your intentions to accept the MOU and informed him the offer was no longer on the table. Lancton said he had, in fact, signed the memorandum and accused Pea of retaliation and intimidation and making false statements., Pea emailed in response: I am not sure why you keep mentioning intimidation or retaliation. "When you're put in a position where people rely on you, and it's their worst day, there's not an 'oops,'" he said. Get highlights, trending news, and behind-the-scenes insights from Houston Public Media delivered to your inbox each week. Lancton said he had. FOX26 reached out to Chief Sam Pena who responded "There is no collective bargaining agreement which might address the union President assignment". HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The city of Houston Thursday confirmed it had suspended union president Marty Lancton indefinitely, government speak for a firing. He did not sign a document acknowledging his receipt of the indefinite suspension notice. No. Houston fire union president Marty Lancton indefinitely suspended by chief. Asked about the indefinite suspension, Lancton said Turner, who appointed Pea, is trying to make a political statement that this is what he does to his political enemies.. Despite not paying Lancton, the city didn't fire him until HFD Fire Chief Sam Pena signed the letter on January 19, 2021. "Those kids always checked in on each other," said Jamerlan, who still teaches at the west Houston school. For local taxpayers who wonder it is feasible for first responders to do more with less, Phillips offered a suggestion. When talks broke down, firefighters took the unusual step of forcing the pay raise initiative onto the ballot by collecting more than 60,000 signatures in a matter of days. The cheers reverberated throughout White Oak Music Hall on election night even before Marty Lancton strode onstage, flanked by his lieutenants and supporters. "He's fighting from the bottom up he's fighting from his rank up. B. Lancton immediately set his sights on a career in the fire service, taking EMT classes at Blinn College and then enrolling at the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service fire academy in College Station. Resources like these are made possible by the generosity of our community of donors, foundations, and corporate partners. RELATED:Union Chief says Houston is "hemorrhaging" firefighters. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. We are so thankful that Local 341 has never backed down.. Houston fire union president resigns, citing threats. Even then, however, Lancton talked of being a firefighter, said Robert Cremins, a lecturer at the University of Houston who taught Lancton in high school. Hard work and strong leadership paid off in Houston and I am so proud of what Local 341 has achieved with this ruling, says General President Ed Kelly. For example, Chicago deploys 4,500 firefighters and EMT's to cover 234 square miles. The suit claimed that Sky-Eagle's approach as a law-and-order president, intent on following the local's constitution and bylaws, honoring contracts and firing certain employees, led to raucous meetings in which he was forced to hire a professional parliamentarian and sergeants at arms. Code of Ethical Practices/Conflict of Interest, 350 Sparks Street, Suite 403 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1R 7S8 Phone: 613.567.8988. According to HPFFA, 3,018 Houston firefighters signed the resolution rejecting the leadership of Chief Pea. Marty Lancton was fired back in January, but an arbitrator said the city was wrong to do it. Lancton ended his shift just hours before the fire and arrived at the hospital to find nurses wheeling a friend's body into a private room. Tommy Searcy respected the danger and stress that accompanied his job. And that's what I believe is happening right now.". In a letter to the fire union president released Tuesday, 95 of the department's 105 front line district chiefs are asking to schedule a 'no-confidence' vote in Houston Fire Chief Sam. In 2019, 70% of HFD personnel who quit left before they were eligible to retire. Earlier this month, he launched his latest salvo with a march on City Hall that drew hundreds of firefighters, their families and supporters. Lancton threw himself into sports basketball and water polo and the school newspaper. Asked if Lanctons statement was hyperbole, Phillips responded, "No. Parker, the former mayor, was equally aghast. After six years at West University Place, Lancton took a hefty pay cut to join the Houston Fire Department in 2009, going through the department's academy on his way to a full-time position. We're in the process of transitioning services for our Today in Houston newsletter. The local-versus-international lawsuit, filed in Harris County district court on Aug. 1, has been moved to federal court. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. April 30, 2023 9:15 PM PT. $330,054. Tragedy followed him to Station 51 after he left the academy. Chief Michael Mire that Pea had subjected him to a hostile work environment, retaliation, and intimidation., In a letter to Turner later that month, International Association of Fire Fighters President Harold Schaitberger demanded that Lanctons pay be reinstated, calling it one of the most anti-union, least worker-friendly, intimidation tactics that one can imagine.. Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pea . Some town supervisors share similar . Lancton promptly turned down a scholarship to St. Louis University in Missouri to watch out for his dad and his little brother still at home. There is Covid out there. "I didn't even think twice about it," he said. Phillips should know. Marty Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Firefghters Association, talks to Roy Cormier as he works in his office the IAFF Local 341 union hall on Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Houston. YouTube page opens in new windowFacebook page opens in new windowTwitter page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new windowFlickr page opens in new window, INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS. Our fight for workplace fairness goes on. He has worked on two teams named Pulitzer finalists in recent years for covering Hurricane Harvey and for helping show how Texas unlawfully denied education services to children with special needs. "We not only differ, but we believe he is going above and beyond his authority as president," Wilkey said. In 2015, Local 341 threw its support behind Turner, a Democrat, in his bid for mayor, based on his record as a member of the Texas House of Representatives supporting labor. HOUSTON (Houston Chronicle) - More than 3,000 firefighters have signed a resolution rejecting the leadership of Fire Chief Sam Pea, the Houston fire union announced Monday. Patrick 'Marty' Lancton, president of the firefighters union, stressed that as many as 97 district chiefs had requested the vote and added the union didn't promote the initiative, but. Who is the man accused in San Jacinto County mass shooting? Bryan Sky-Eagle, who led the Houston Professional . Nothing this mayor and his politically appointed fire administrator do at this point will deter us from our mission for the city's nearly 4,000 firefighters and paramedics. Over the past decade, America's fourth-largest city has been consistently, often painfully, plagued by each. HOUSTON - Flames, floods, and gunfire. "I've assumed Marty has taken all of that over the years, and made a decision that he felt that he could provide a different outlook and mentality for the union," he said. "[Firefighter] Lancton was absent without leave beyond 3 consecutive days with no notification to his supervisor. He threw himself into training, earning a reputation for his outspoken presence by encouraging others on training runs, finagling better assignments for his squad and letting other cadets routinely crash at his house. The fire union has appealed the ruling. When pressed about opening negotiations union President Lancton shot back, "The fire chief knows the truth and the fire chief should start telling the truth. 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