Evergreen firefighters reject union

There will be no union representing Evergreen firefighters.

 Out of 24 ballots cast in an election on unionizing, 13 were opposed and 10 were in favor, according to Election Judge John Andrew of the Montana Board of Personnel Appeals.

One ballot was disqualified because the voter didn’t sign the envelope, Andrew said. One firefighter didn’t vote.

“The election stands for itself,” Evergreen Fire Rescue Chief Craig Williams said Tuesday. “We’re pleased with the results. It’s business as usual.”

Some Evergreen firefighters had requested the election, which was conducted by mail ballot.

The Montana Public Employees Association would have represented the firefighters if unionization had been approved.

The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 547 petitioned to be added to the election but later pulled out after being challenged by the Evergreen Fire Rescue District’s attorney.

The challenge was based on the wording in the Local 547’s constitution and bylaws, which said the documents pertained to Kalispell firefighters. The wording could have been changed, but Local 547, which represents Kalispell firefighters, decided not to delay the union vote.

Evergreen firefighters get paid considerably less than their counterparts in Kalispell. EMTs are paid $8 an hour and paramedics $15 an hour. Kalispell firefighters get paid $16.83 to $27 an hour plus benefits.

Williams previously told the Inter Lake that the election was “all about wages.”

At least two Evergreen firefighters disputed that statement.

Some of the items of concern they alleged include: insufficient standard operating guidelines, no clothing allowance, poor training and support, lack of maintenance for tools and vehicles, and lack of infection control policy.

Reporter Caleb Soptelean may be reached at 758-4483 or by email at csoptelean@dailyinterlake.com.