Box 1, Folder 15, Document 1

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STATEMENT BY MAYOR IVAN ALLEN; ALDERMAN WILLIAM T. KNIGHT,
CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF FIREMASTERS; AND CHIEF C, H. HILDEBRAND,
ATLANTA FIRE DEPARTMENT -- THURSDAY, JUNE 9, 1966, 11:00 A. M.

More than 500 Atlanta firemen continue to refuse tq report for duty
Cle op He Vt. Bi pin ef ot tief) be thy aubhate

as directed by the authorities of the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Fire~

Department-and by order of the Fulton Superior Gourt. The City Attorney's

tient ties ts Court this morning to cite the Atlanta Firefighters Union,

Indpendent, and its principal officers, J . I. Martin and Leonard Styron,

for civil contempt and failure to return to duty as ordered.

The City of Atlanta has made every attempt to resolve the present
dilemma with the members of the Fire Department through these men who
are the representatives of the striking firemen, We have done as much as
is possible under the laws governing the City of Atlanta.

The Union leaders and striking firemen have shown an utter contempt
for the laws of the State of Georgia and the authority of the City of Atlanta.
They have also shown a reckless disregard for the property and lives of the
citizens of this city.

We can no longer tolerate action which places in jeopardy the

thousands of lives and millions of dollars of property which these men are

under swwn oath to protect. Therefore, we are directing all employees

of the Atlanta Fire Department who wish to remain as employees of the City

“ye lpn eas Prax a LLL.
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g to eee will be consjdered s=eletion-cfthe City's
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to report to duty on their normal shifts

7 0 Lo<aq Fy Lovet be & fthod
Civil Service Law and be indnewen for ree to or os

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taken to fill those positions which remain vacant. We urge these employees
to consider their responsibilities to the people of Atlanta and to their own
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families. Loss of income and jose of many years of retirement rights and

other accumulated benefits is a serious and foolish gamble they are taking
by refusing to return to their posts.
The City officials have met with the leaders of the Union in good
faith. These leaders have stated that they have asked the firemen to obey
the legal authority of the Court and return to their stations but there
- has been no response to this request from the Union leadership.
Capt. Martin and Capt. Styron apparently have no control over the
striking members because their request has been ignored. These two men “/Wmiiiv
me have failed to comply with their own request and have not reported to
their duty stations.

We trust that the members of the Fire Department, many of whom

have worked long years of dedicated on IVEAOM, will consider their

responsibilities and obligations to the City, the laws of our State, and to

their families and return to work as directed,




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