St. George Fire Department Files Retaliatory Counterclaim Against Firefighters Union Amid Ongoing Pay Equity Lawsuit

Baton Rouge, LA — In a move drawing sharp criticism from legal observers and union advocates, the St. George Fire Protection District No. 2 has filed a reconventional demand against Local 4524, the union representing St. George firefighters, in an attempt to shift liability back onto those fighting for fair pay.

Local 4524 originally brought legal action against the District for violations of Louisiana Revised Statutes 33:1992 and 33:1969, which mandate lawful pay differentials and equal compensation among fire service ranks. Now, in a counterstrike, the Fire District has filed a reconventional demand that would potentially force firefighters to repay wages they were already issued — a move the union describes as both retaliatory and legally baseless.

“This isn’t just a counterclaim — it’s a clear attempt to punish firefighters for standing up for their rights,” said a spokesperson for Local 4524. “It is a textbook example of a SLAPP-style tactic designed to intimidate and financially burden those who speak out.”

SLAPP Lawsuits and Louisiana Law

SLAPP lawsuits — Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation — are intended to censor, intimidate, and silence critics by burdening them with legal defense costs until they abandon their criticism or opposition. In Louisiana, such legal tactics are not only discouraged but have been specifically addressed by La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 971, which protects individuals and organizations from retaliatory litigation designed to chill free speech or lawful participation in government processes.

Legal precedent in Louisiana makes clear that litigants cannot be punished simply for asserting legal rights or pursuing valid grievances through the courts. The union maintains that its lawsuit was filed in good faith, on behalf of about 150 current and former members, and supported by well-documented discrepancies in pay practices that have persisted for years.

A Dangerous Precedent for Public Employees

The reconventional demand comes amid growing public scrutiny of the District’s handling of the lawsuit, including concerns about escalating legal fees — estimated to now total hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars. Firefighters argue that the District is using public funds to silence whistleblowers rather than resolve the underlying issues.

“Taxpayers should ask themselves why the District is using public money to sue firefighters instead of paying them fairly,” the union representative added. “This is a dangerous precedent for all public employees who may consider speaking up in the future.”

Local 4524 remains steadfast in their focus on PRIORITIZING public safety no matter the hostile environment and is prepared to vigorously oppose the reconventional demand in court, asserting that it violates Louisiana’s protections against retaliatory legal action and further exposes the District’s unwillingness to address legitimate claims of inequity.