SAN ANTONIO – Delegates with the International Association of Fire Fighters unanimously voted to censure San Antonio Fire Chief Valerie Frausto, citing what union leaders described as a pattern of mistreatment and unfair discipline within the fire department.
The vote was taken Aug. 14 during the final day of the IAFF’s 58th Convention in Arlington, according to the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 624.
Union leaders alleged Frausto improperly disciplined firefighters, contributing to low morale and strained labor-management relations. Local 624 cited several grievances, including the alleged targeting of an employee over an authorized prescription, discipline involving a paramedic who responded to a medical emergency involving his spouse, and the denial of a workplace accommodation for an employee following pregnancy.
“The unanimous censure of Fire Chief Frausto reflects her escalating administrative hostilities toward our members,” Local 624 President Joe Jones said in a statement. “While we find the action unfortunate, we also recognize it as absolutely necessary given the repeated and consistent mistreatment of our members.”
IAFF 11th District Vice President Michael Glynn said the union’s more than 368,000 members support San Antonio firefighters and called on department leadership to treat them with respect.