LAFD Union President Claims Retaliation from Mayor Bass Over Recent Actions

Union Leader Alleges Retaliation by Los Angeles Mayor Following Fire Funding Concerns

October 24, 2025

Los Angeles is at the centre of a developing controversy as Freddy Escobar, the President of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, claims that Mayor Karen Bass orchestrated retaliatory actions after he publicly voiced concerns about inadequate funding for the los Angeles Fire Department. The allegations stem from comments Escobar made in the wake of the January Palisades fire,where he repeatedly stated the department lacked sufficient resources.

Public Criticism and Subsequent Claim

Following the Palisades fire, Escobar asserted that the Fire Department was operating with insufficient funding, a statement he had previously made during a meeting with the Board of Fire Commissioners. His concerns gained increased prominence as the situation in Los Angeles garnered global attention. Escobar maintained that the lack of resources directly contributed to the severity of the wildfire.

Now, Escobar contends that his public statements led to repercussions from the Mayor’s office. He has filed an administrative claim against the city, alleging that Bass targeted him for expressing his views, which he believes were protected under his position as union leader.

Meeting with the Mayor and Allegations of Interference

According to Escobar’s claim,Mayor Bass summoned him to City Hall on January 10th to discuss the future of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley. Both Escobar and Crowley had previously criticized the level of funding allocated to the Fire Department, with Crowley stating that the city had failed her department. During the meeting, Bass questioned Escobar’s continued criticism and his support of Chief Crowley.

Escobar alleges that Bass “expressed displeasure” with his statements and that the overall tone of the meeting suggested his comments were unwelcome. He believed that Crowley would be removed from her position, but still felt confident in his own standing.

Union Leadership and Financial Scrutiny

Crowley was subsequently removed from her position, but Escobar remained as head of the union untill months later, when he was suspended following an audit. The audit revealed that over 70% of the transactions made on his union credit card – totaling $230,466 – lacked supporting documentation.Further scrutiny also brought to light that Escobar earned over $500,000 in 2022 through a combination of union pay and overtime firefighting work.

However, Escobar insists that the examination into his overtime pay was a direct result of his earlier criticisms of the Mayor, representing further retaliation. He maintains that his overtime hours were a result of volunteering at busy fire stations and a systemic lack of adequate staffing.

Escobar claims the Mayor’s office directed the Fire Department to issue a statement about a “complete review” of overtime procedures, which he believes was intended to discredit him. the department has not confirmed whether such a review took place.

Event	Date
Palisades Fire	January 2025
Meeting between Escobar and Bass	January 10, 2025
Crowley Removed as Fire Chief	February 21, 2025
Escobar Suspended from Union Position	May 5, 2025

The city has 45 days to respond to Escobar’s claim before he can pursue legal action. Both the LAFD and the Mayor’s office have not yet issued official statements regarding the allegations.

Understanding Public Sector Union Dynamics

The situation in Los Angeles highlights the often-complex relationship between public sector unions and city governments. Unions advocate for their members’ interests, including adequate funding for essential services. Public officials balance these demands with budgetary constraints and overall policy goals. When disagreements arise, they can quickly escalate into public disputes, as seen in this case.

Did You Know? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, union membership in the public sector is considerably higher than in the private sector. In 2024,approximately 32.5% of public-sector workers were members of a union, compared to 10.0% of private-sector workers.

Pro Tip: Understanding the structure and bylaws of public sector unions is crucial for comprehending their actions and advocacy efforts.these documents often outline procedures for negotiating contracts, filing grievances, and engaging in public discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is an administrative claim? An administrative claim is a formal notice of intent to sue a government entity, allowing them an chance to address the issue before a lawsuit is filed.
• What are the potential consequences for Mayor Bass if the allegations are true? The consequences could range from public censure to legal action, depending on the specifics of the case and the evidence presented.
• How does this situation affect the Los Angeles Fire Department? This controversy creates instability and potentially erodes trust between the department, the union, and city leadership.
• What role does funding play in the LAFD’s effectiveness? Adequate funding is essential for staffing, training, equipment, and maintaining a rapid response to emergencies.
• Is it common for union leaders to face scrutiny over their finances? While not universally common, union leaders, like any public figures, can be subject to public and official scrutiny of their financial dealings.

What are your thoughts on the balance between union advocacy and mayoral authority? Share your opinions in the comments below and share this article with your network.

What specific actions taken by Mayor Bass’s governance does the UFLA allege constitute retaliation?

Allegations of Retaliation Surface

Freddy Quinn, President of United Firefighters of Los Angeles (UFLA) Local 112, has publicly accused Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of retaliating against him and the union following recent criticisms of her administration’s handling of 911 dispatch issues and staffing levels within the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). These claims, made in a press conference on October 23, 2025, center around what Quinn describes as a sudden and unexpected reassignment of key union representatives within the department.

The core of the dispute revolves around the UFLA’s vocal opposition to changes implemented by Mayor Bass aimed at streamlining the 911 dispatch system. The union argues these changes have led to delays in emergency response times and put both firefighters and the public at risk. Specifically, Quinn pointed to a new protocol involving civilian dispatchers handling certain types of calls previously reserved for experienced fire dispatchers. “We’ve seen a demonstrable increase in response times for critical incidents,” Quinn stated. “And the Mayor’s office is punishing us for bringing these concerns to light.”

Details of the Alleged Retaliation

Quinn alleges the retaliation manifests in several ways:

* Reassignments: Several UFLA representatives, actively involved in voicing concerns about the dispatch system, have been reassigned to less influential positions within the LAFD. These reassignments, Quinn claims, are designed to silence dissent and limit the union’s ability to effectively advocate for its members.

* Increased Scrutiny: Union officials report a noticeable increase in scrutiny of their activities, including more frequent audits of union finances and increased questioning of their involvement in departmental affairs.

* Limited Access: Quinn claims the union’s access to key decision-makers within the Mayor’s office and the LAFD has been considerably curtailed in recent weeks. Previously routine meetings are now reportedly arduous to schedule.

* Disciplinary Actions: While no formal disciplinary actions have been taken yet,Quinn expressed concern that the current climate creates an habitat where such actions are likely.

Mayor Bass’s Response & City Council Involvement

Mayor Bass’s office has vehemently denied the allegations of retaliation. In a statement released shortly after Quinn’s press conference, a spokesperson for the Mayor called the claims “baseless and politically motivated.” The statement further asserted that all personnel decisions are made based on merit and the best interests of the city.

“The Mayor is committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including the UFLA, to ensure the safety and well-being of Los Angeles residents,” the statement read. “However, she will not be intimidated by unfounded accusations.”

The Los Angeles City Council has announced it will hold a closed-door session next week to discuss the matter. Councilmember John Smith, chair of the Public Safety Committee, stated, “We take these allegations very seriously. It’s crucial that we ensure a fair and obvious process for all parties involved.” the council is expected to hear testimony from both Quinn and representatives from the Mayor’s office.

The 911 Dispatch Controversy: A Deeper Dive

The dispute over the 911 dispatch system is not new. The UFLA has been raising concerns for months, arguing that the changes implemented by Mayor Bass prioritize cost savings over public safety. key points of contention include:

1. Civilian dispatcher Training: The union argues that civilian dispatchers lack the specialized training and experience necessary to effectively handle complex emergency calls, particularly those involving medical emergencies or hazardous materials incidents.
2. Increased Call Volume: The LAFD has experienced a critically important increase in call volume in recent years, straining the existing dispatch system. The union contends that the changes have exacerbated this problem.
3. Technology Integration: The rollout of new dispatch technology has been plagued by glitches and delays, further complicating the situation. The UFLA has called for a comprehensive review of the technology before it is fully implemented.

Impact on LAFD Morale and Public Safety

The ongoing conflict between the UFLA and Mayor Bass is reportedly taking a toll on LAFD morale. Firefighters are expressing concerns about the potential impact of the dispatch changes on their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

“We’re already stretched thin,” said one anonymous firefighter. “These changes just add another layer of complexity and risk. It’s frustrating to feel like our concerns are being ignored.”

The potential consequences for public safety are significant. Delays in emergency response times can be the difference between life and death.The UFLA is urging Mayor Bass to reconsider the changes to the dispatch system and prioritize the safety of both firefighters and the public.

Legal Ramifications & Potential Next Steps

The UFLA is currently exploring all legal options, including the possibility of filing a lawsuit alleging unfair labor practices. Union attorneys are reviewing the details of the alleged retaliation and assessing the strength of their case.

“We are prepared to fight this all the way,” quinn stated. “We will not stand by and allow the mayor to silence us or compromise the safety of our city.”

The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days and weeks. The outcome of the City Council