From the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune: International Association of Fire Fighters Local 173 went public over the weekend with a vote of no confidence in the head of the Hibbing Fire Department, Chief Tony Pogorels.

A statement issued by the union said: “Reasons for this vote include lack of leadership, inability to effectively communicate, failure to respond to firefighter concerns, fiscal decision-making priorities and lack of overall concern for the well-being of our members. Chief Pogorels has repeatedly micromanaged the day-to-day operations of his command staff and subordinates while failing to maintain a clear grasp of larger issues.”

But Pogorels — a 24-year veteran of the department who has served 6½ years as chief — says complaints are coming in the middle of ongoing contract negotiations and an ongoing grievance.

Union reps said that Hibbing reduced its minimum on-scene staffing requirements from six firefighters to four since December — a decision the union has challenged and is taking to arbitration.