Bethlehem, like many cities, has been plagued by sick time abuse. In fact, its most recently arbitrated contract with firefighters gave the City increased power to counter those who play the system. Schlener found that out the hard way.
Here are the facts, which were apparently undisputed. On August 21, 2012, Schlener called in sick. Under his contract, he is required to stay home except for medical visits. But Schlener instead thumbed his nose at his union contract and went to a fair in Bangor, from which he played politics and posted pictures on Facebook. Two days later, he called in sick again. He went to pick up a prescription, which is permitted, but then decided to stop at a bar. After leaving the bar, he smashed into a utility pole with his Jeep, breaking the pole in half. Bethlehem police stated his blood alcohol was three times the legal limit.
If all that was involved was a DUI, the City concedes it would not have fired Schlener. But in this case there was both sick leave as well as Schlener's poor judgment in documenting and advertising his transgressions on Facebook. According to the Arbitrator, Schlener "escalated the severity of the violation by documenting and advertising his activities."
In other words, he rubbed the City's nose in his own transgressions.
As a 17 year veteran, the Arbitrator concludes that Schlener should have known better.
16 comments:
Anybody know what bar he went to? Would they possibly have a hand in the factor of his accident?
the union should be ashamed of the fact that it even attempted it's weak kneed defense of these blatant violations. clear cut case - let the message be heard far and wide
He is not alone. That Gregory character has made some crazy posts on Facebook. These guys are as clueless as teenagers. they are proud of their silly behavior.
He is not alone. That Gregory character has made some crazy posts on Facebook. These guys are as clueless as teenagers. they are proud of their silly behavior.
That Gregory character is still employed by the county..And still in the union, and still in the Council.
Why is that?? If he has done all that Bernie alleges, why is he still working? Fire his ass already!!!!
lol,lol.
Pure internet Gold!
There is at least one mistake; the fair was not in Bangor, it was in Washington Township. Can he now appeal?
I dont see what the big deal is the Mayor of Bethlehem takes His City vehicle o bars all the time then procedes to drive home 3 sheets to the wind at least Schlener called in sick.......
Here's a difference. Swon testiminy v. An anonymous coment on a blog.
Lynn from Express-Times, get out of Callahan's ass and learn the entire story. I tried calling you but sorry I was at my niece's graduation. File a right to know and find out what he used tax payer money to get rid of me. See how much they gave the Boy Mayor in campaign contributions! Ballard Spahr is nothing but an Eddie Rendell brake the public sector unions firm that misuses tax payer money. Ask the question Lynn, If John gives you permission
Ballard Spahr is the first law firm I've seen succed with a public sector union contract that went thru arbitration. The County hired that firm. The fact that Schlener hates these guys is all the evidence I need.
You lost Schlener, get over it.
How sad.Schleners actions are a great diservice to his fellow workers.Counters much of the respect first responders have gotten since 9/11.Frankly he has let his fellow workers down and with such gravitas yet.Makes these robo calls for police and firemans fund a joke.65 g's isnt enough hes gotta manipulate the system even more. Shame,Shame. The unions are playing with public relations on this matter and if they lose the big picture their brotherhood will mean squat.
Got news for ya.Even in a brotherhood/military unit the whole team isnt willing to go down over the stupid actions of one.
Tough decisions, at least Rich garlich made the smart decision and blew town
I hate to see anyone lose their job, but this guy is a powder keg. He was already arrested following an alcohol fueled domestic incident that left his then girlfriend with a gash in her head that needed staples to close. The city would have been well within their rights to fire him then. Everyone deserves a second chance, not three or four.
As for his union, well it seems to me that if they really cared about their brother they would have tried to get him help before this happened instead of after.
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