RUMFORD – Firefighters union Local 1601 has filed a grievance against the town over the suspension of each member of the Fire Department for at least a day without pay.

The grievance is based on suspensions assessed by former Town Manager Jim Doar in early June for allegedly violating a section of municipal ordinance that is believed to prohibit municipal employees from influencing an election.

Union President Mark Tripp said he wrote a letter to the Rumford Falls Times in support of selectmen candidates Rob Cameron and Greg Buccina.

The letter, printed in the June 4 edition, was also signed by several other firefighters.

The June 10 vote resulted in Cameron’s election, but Buccina was defeated.

Tripp was suspended for a week without pay. The remaining nine firefighters were suspended for one day without pay.

Acting Chief Richard Coulombe said Tripp has served his suspension, and five other firefighters have served their suspensions. He said the remaining four firefighters are expected to complete their suspensions next week.

Acting Town Manager Len Greaney said he received the grievance request on Monday, June 30. He has 20 days to respond to it.

Tripp said he and several other Fire Department members will meet with Greaney, then within five days after that meeting, must receive a decision.

If the union is not satisfied with Greaney’s decision, then a hearing will be conducted by selectmen.

Tripp said the grievance claims the town has not adhered to the union contract and that the grievance disputes the suspensions. He declined to elaborate.

Coulombe, who is also a union member, declined comment.

Tripp said the grievance asks for repayment of money withheld because of the suspensions, reinstatement of any lost seniority and expungement of the disciplinary action in firefighters’ personnel records.

“When all is said and done, we’ll go forth with a campaign and we’ll publish the findings. It’s still early,” Tripp said.

The department’s budget was recently reduced by voters under recommendations from selectmen.

The once 14-member department now stands at 10.

The union, which is in the third year of a three-year contract that ends on June 30, 2009, is a member of the International Association of Firefighters.