MA residency

[mfdLadder1]

I'm one of two full time firefighters on a small combo department. We are represented by Teamsters. I'm curious if anyone ever herd of a situation like the one I'm in.

I was hired in Novemberer of 2011 with a one year probationary period, where I could be terminated without cause. I'm currently and have been a resident of the town here in Massachusettsts. My wife hold residency in another town over 15 miles away, mainly to allow my step daughter to finish high school.

My chief made me sign a 6 month extension to my probation or face termination because he says I don't meet the residency requirment under MGL Chapter 41 sec 9A. http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/Ge...r41/Section99A
I work a Monday -Friday schedule 8a-5p, I'm not required to respond outside of those hours (but I do).
I'm in my town Monday - Friday 24/7, on weekends I spend time with my wife and kids out of town (I have a house in northern VT).

My union rep told me there is nothing they can do for me. At one point they told me to hire my own lawyer to get information for them. Even when I let them know my chief told me "it would be very bad for me to make him look like a fool" over this situation and make "an enemy" of him. Also my chief said if I fight it he'll just terminate me without reason. My union has been all but useless to me on this. I guess my question is has anyone in Massachusetts ever been in or herd situation like this? Also any ever hear of MGL chapter 41 section 99a being used for town employee spouses? That seems to be my chiefs biggest problem, my wife not having residency when I do.


Thanks all and stay safe!

[fire49]

that does not make any sense.

If I follow your story you do have the required residency??? and it is under your name???

where does your wife live during the week?? with you or in the town where her daugther attends school??

and you only go out of town on the weekends???

so I guess the question is what does your chief want or expect you to do????????????


sounds like the chief only allows a person to won one house, and your spouse must live with you!!!!!!

bad part is your are still under probation.

[deputybuxton]

issues proof of residency.....registered to vote? car registration? driver's license? utilities bill?

[DeputyChiefGonzo]

If you are living in the town, provide proof, such as rent receipts, tax bills, excise tax payments, utility bills, etc. If you can prove that, your chief cannot do anything about it.