05th Mar 2008
Changing Workplace Culture
Sandy Banks’ column on Firefighters on discrimination gravy train is interesting for those of us studying workplace cultural change. Basically, the Los Angeles fire department, like many other fire departments according to my firefighter friend, has a culture of hazing and pranks.
It looks to me that one of the few ways a workplace culture changes is when forced to financially by lawsuits. Here’s a short history of the lawsuits involved:
A pretty female firefighter who was kissed and hounded by her male boss got $320,000 to settle her harassment case.
A tough-talking, black lesbian won a $6.2-million jury verdict for being a victim of vile station-house pranks, including urine poured in her mouthwash bottle. Then, two white male firefighters who tried to protect her sued the department, claiming they were victims of retaliation. They walked away with more than $2 million between them.
A male captain reprimanded by the department when a female firefighter was injured during his training drill later wound up in court as a victim of unfair treatment. He said he was ordered by his bosses to go easy on female firefighters, and unfairly punished when he refused. A jury gave him $3.7 million.
Then, on Monday, two white fire captains who said they were made scapegoats in the infamous Tennie Pierce dog-food case won a $1.6-million racial discrimination verdict, bringing the price tag for that case to $4.5 million.
They were in charge of the Westchester station where Pierce — called “Big Dawg” — was tricked into eating dog food after his team won a volleyball game. A deputy chief recommended the captains be suspended — 30 days without pay for one and 24 for the other — but ordered the Latino firefighter who added the dog food to Pierce’s spaghetti suspended for only six.
Gosh, what a delightful place to work. It will be interesting to see how exactly the fire department manages to change its culture.
Firefighters are interesting. I have a lot more respect for them than police officers, but that whole sleeping together for days on end in the firehouse seems to work a number on them. The whole “group mentality” thing is probably a little hard to resist at times.
It definitely seems like a frat-house atmosphere evolves in firehouses from the living together. Though my friend is a volunteer firefighter, and doesn’t live in a firehouse, and they have the same sort of pranking culture (sometimes pretty severe pranks too).
There are people who know how use jokes in a lighthearted fashion and those who cross the line. This is true everywhere.
Gosh, what a delightful place to work
Ms. T,
Kindly allow me to share that for the vast majority of the men and women of the LAFD, the 106 Neighborhood Fire Stations (staffed by 318 different crews) are a challenging, rewarding - and yes - at times delightful place to devote our lives in the service of others.
Please let us know when your travels bring you to Los Angeles, and we’ll be happy to arrange a day (or day and night) at the Fire Station of your choosing to affirm or dispel your belief. Lunch and dinner are on us, an open mindset is all we ask.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
I’d be glad to visit, Brian. I live in northern LA County. Please email me at ms dot theologian at gmail dot com.