New Orleans, LA – On August 13, IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) Local 632 filed a lawsuit with the Civil District Court of New Orleans against the city’s Roman Nelson, the city’s fire superintendent. The union is fighting against unsafe practices like ordering unqualified fire fighters to operate the fire engines, a practice that puts workers and New Orleanians at risk.

Although staffing shortages have historically plagued the department, qualified operators could earn overtime to keep the engines running. “[But] now, we're being told we won't be compensated for this dangerous and often unqualified work. And if we refuse, we risk being fired,” explained Aaron Mischler, president of Local 632.

The conflict between Local 632 and the city came to a head in the beginning of August, when three fire stations were forced to temporarily cease operations due to severe staffing shortages. “When we took this drastic measure, the city finally relented and allowed us to pay guys overtime to keep services up and running,” said Aaron Mischler.

The city of New Orleans has repeatedly attacked workers’ wages to compensate for severe fiscal mismanagement. Mayor Helena Moreno announced layoffs, hiring freezes and furloughs as soon as she took office in November 2025. “We're a public union, we don't generate income, we'll always be a red line. They're always looking to cut corners on safety at the detriment of us and the public,” argued Mischler.

While the legal battle continues, some local news outlets are blaming the union for the city’s failures. Local 632 firefighters want to set the record straight on who the real instigator of this fight is. “Even if you see station closures, we will always get the job done. We put ourselves on the line every day for the people's safety. There's nothing the public has to worry about, this is a fight between us and the city. The city is choosing to do this, not us firefighters,” asserted Mischler.

New Orleanians should keep an eye out for announcements from IAFF Local 632 for future calls to action and solidarity in their ongoing struggle against Roman Nelson and company.

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