The Pasco, Fla., firefighters’ union is seeking bankruptcy protection from debts tied to a jury verdict and legal fees awarded to two firefighters who said they faced union retaliation after filing discrimination complaints a dozen years ago, the Tampa Bay Times reported. The Pasco County Professional Firefighters Local 4420 filed a chapter 11 petition in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tampa on April 1 that, if granted, would allow it to reorganize its debts. The petition lists the largest creditors as the two Pasco Fire Rescue employees who successfully sued the union and Pasco County — Jerry Brown, a driver/engineer, and Anthony Booth, now a captain. They are owed a combined $189,000, and their attorneys are due more than $89,000. The union also hasn’t paid its state and national dues of nearly $10,600, according to the filing. The bankruptcy court proceeding is not expected to affect the union’s ability to continue negotiations with Pasco County on annual salary adjustments. Local 4420 bargains on behalf of approximately 560 Pasco firefighters, most of whom are dues-paying members.
