BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Members of the Bethlehem firefighters' union called for new leadership Tuesday night, as the union president said the rank-and-file had issued a vote of no-confidence in Fire Chief Warren Achey.
Of the 95 members of Bethlehem Firefighters Local 735, 88 supported the vote of no-confidence, four supported the chief and three didn’t participate, according to union President Brian Salabsky.
- The Bethlehem firefighters' union has issued a vote of no-confidence in Fire Chief Warren Achey
- Union members say they want new leadership
- The mayor and union president are set to meet later this week
The group voted on May 15 and 18.
Salabsky, a 26-year veteran, spoke on behalf of around 10 other firefighters who were present in solidarity during Tuesday night's Bethlehem City Council meeting.
“This decision was not made in haste, but rather a result of frustration at the lack of effective leadership of the fire chief,” Salabsky said. “Poor communication, absent plans and threatening work environment has left our members of Local 735 in doubt of his competency as a leader.”
“This decision was not made in haste, but rather a result of frustration at the lack of effective leadership of the fire chief. Poor communication, absent plans and threatening work environment has left our members of Local 735 in doubt of his competency as a leader.”Brian Salabsky, Local 735 president
Achey, who has been chief for the past six years, didn't immediately reply to a request for comment from LehighValleyNews.com.
The union performed a climate survey in April. The results, which captured 85% participation, included the following, according to Salabsky:
- Morale issues under Achey’s leadership: 98% agreed, 2% neutral
- Positive working climate under Achey: 95% disagreed, 5% neutral
"Local 735 is requesting new leadership with a chief who is willing to work, support and lead us into the future.”Brian Salabsky, Local 735 president
“This is an infectious plague that affects focus, dedication and motivation to be at our best,” Salabsky said. “ … Local 735 is requesting new leadership with a chief who is willing to work, support and lead us into the future.”
The union president added that the chief has threatened firefighters with less overtime in some cases.
“Chief Achey has even resorted to threats during some meetings, telling us that he would hire less overtime shifts if mutual-aid grievances were taken to a higher step, or disband special teams,” Salabsky said. “It doesn’t stop with the body as a whole; individual members have been retaliated against after filing grievances.”
Salabsky also took issue with the hiring process, saying Achey last year failed to recognize the civil service list containing potential hires expired a year prior. He said that didn't allow time for a new list to be created before the February fire training academy in Allentown.
The union is scheduled for another meeting Wednesday, members said.
Mayor J. William Reynolds said he met with Salabsky regarding the union's concerns on May 23, and the two plan to meet again later this week.
