The administration of Worcester City Manager Eric Batista is being accused by a union representing firemen in the city of producing a “toxic and demoralising” work environment.
Worcester Firefighters Local 1009 stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday that 425 firefighters completed a poll regarding the calibre of various subjects, including training, safety, morale, and leadership.
The union claims that the survey was carried out eighteen months ago in order to gain a better understanding of the present situation inside the Worcester Fire Department.
The results of the survey were brought to the city manager’s office in February and were originally intended to be private, according to a union statement.
“After months of no change, we found it necessary to go public,” the statement read.
In a statement to MassLive, Batista said that his administration is committed to the well-being of firefighters in Worcester and defended the findings of the ESCI report.
“The overall health and safety of the membership is a priority for the city’s administration, balancing the needs of the community with the needs of the department,” Batista said. “Membership remains steadfastly dedicated to the public they serve and to the oath they take as a Worcester Firefighter.”
