Mr. Bahnken characterized the settlement as ``a complete victory and vindication of the unions' belief that the City is required to follow the law like every other employer when it comes to making reasonable accommodations for disabled workers. As a result of this litigation, the Fire Department has undertaken to formulate a reasonable accommodations policy for its disabled employees. We are advised this would be the first such policy by any City department. We are gratified that the Fire Department is taking these issues seriously and may be in the vanguard of City actions in this area.''

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of six disabled EMS workers who claimed that management wrongly removed them from their modified duty work assignments and took them off payroll. In three cases the employees were terminated, even though they were performing their jobs satisfactorily.

The settlement was agreed to on September 10, 1999, and was signed by the New York City Corporation Counsel and attorneys for DC 37 and Local 2507. The suit was brought under the New York State and New York City Human Rights laws and the Due Process Clause of the United States Constitution as well as Sections 71 and 72 of the New York State Civil Service Law.

According to Mr. Bahnken, ``This lawsuit is only one part of a broader effort now being waged by both Local 2507 and DC 37 to insure that disabled employees are provided with reasonable accommodation to allow them to work when their disabilities permit. Grievances are pending on behalf of several other members who have also been removed in similar circumstances. We are fighting for the rights of our members to be treated fairly and not be discriminated against because of their disabilities. This decision is one step on the road to correcting a grave injustice done to our members.''