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TF Green Airport union leader faces trespassing charges after firing • Rhode Island Current

The recently terminated firefighter who heads the union representing workers at Rhode Island TF Green International Airport is accused of trespassing and taking work supplies without authorization.

Steven Parent has been a lieutenant in the Rhode Island TF Green International Airport Fire Department since 2013. He was fired from the Rhode Island Airport Corporation on Tuesday, October 29th. Airport officials claim he trespassed. Friday morning in the secure area of ​​the airport. (Courtesy of Rhode Island Airport Corporation)

The Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) said Friday afternoon that Steven Parent allegedly gained unauthorized access to a secured area of ​​TF Green around 9:30 a.m. Parent was fired from his job as a lieutenant on Tuesday.

Officials allege Parent also verbally attacked the airport's deputy fire chief and seized airport property without authorization. The matter is currently being investigated by airport police, spokesman Bill Fisher said, adding that a report is expected to be released early next week.

“This incident is very unfortunate and has raised alarm here at the airport,” Duc Nguyen, senior vice president of operations at RIAC, said in a statement. “His retaliatory behavior is completely unacceptable and RIAC will protect employees from such threatening behavior.”

Parent, who worked at TF Green for more than a decade, became president of Local 2873 of RI Council 94 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) in 2019. The union represents around 120 employees. He did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Council 94 President Michael McDonald defended Parent, saying the now-fired firefighter was at the airport where a contract negotiation and grievance hearings were scheduled to take place.

Airport workers have been working without a contract since their last contract expired in June.

“Unfortunately, RIAC management has continually distorted facts, distorted reality and gone to great lengths to smear and impugn President Parent,” McDonald said in a statement. “While we remain 100% committed to carrying out our duties and ensuring the safety of the public, we will not allow RIAC leadership to harass, bully and intimidate our members.”

RIAC announced this on Monday She sought to fire Parent after alleging he “knowingly and intentionally attempted to sabotage airport operations” by discouraging people from applying for jobs at the airport and accepting overtime pay to cover the vacant positions .

Parent was fired after a closed-door meeting with airport officials on Tuesday. Council 94 has filed an unfair labor practice lawsuit with the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board, McDonald said in an interview.

“We defend Steve 100%,” McDonald said.

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