St. Joseph firefighters file lawsuit

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- A firefighters union has filed a lawsuit against the city of St. Joseph accusing officials of not negotiating in good faith.

Local No. 77 of the International Association of Firefighters filed last week to force the city to negotiate.

City manager Vince Capell said Friday he was not surprised since the union had threatened to file the lawsuit. He declined to comment on the case.

Local No. 77 president Travis Owens says the city has refused to open all sections of the contract for discussion.

The union's filing says Local No. 77 notified the city that it wanted to start collective bargaining sessions Oct. 3. The two sides met Dec. 15 and Jan. 13.

The union's case says the city refused to bargain on issues concerning wages and other economic conditions.