DETROIT (AP) — Union officials say ballistic vests purchased for Detroit firefighters and emergency technicians aren’t right for the job because they don’t protect against stabbings.
The Detroit Fire Fighters Association has filed two grievances with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission, The Detroit News (http://detne.ws/2tlIGvn ) reported. The union argues that Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones circumvented the workers’ contract by purchasing the vests without discussing it with the union or a committee of department and union officials.
Jones said he bought the right vests. He said vests that protect against stabbings are cumbersome, and that bulletproof vests provide defense from most attacks with sharp objects. Read more