This information will be updated as events take place. The last dated information on this page will be the last date on which this page was updated. If you wish further information and/or if you wish to join our legal action please contact us at
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National Park Service Director, Robert Stanton signed "Director's Order # 57:
Occupational Medical Standards, Health and Fitness
June 24, 1999
Associate Director, Administration, Sue E. Masica and
Associate Director, Park Operations and Education, Robert Yearout (acting)
signed the "Implimentation of RM-57 for Fire Management Personnel" memorandum with a deferred implementation date of January 1, 2000. This deferred implementation date was due to the fact that "this may cause a hardship on some individuals and park fire programs".
January 1, 2000
The National Park Service implemented RM-57 for Fire Management Personnel
February 4, 2000
Joel Schwartz, Ed Van Steinburg, and Martin Gallery met with Attorney Gary H. Simpson to discuss the effects and legalities of the implementation of RM-57
February 7, 2000
Joel Schwartz notified Onnternor Blount (Philadelphia Support Office EEO Counselor) of his intent to file a class "Age Discrimination" complaint. This notice of intent to file was given within the 45 day limit as stated in EEO.
February 8-March 7, 2000
Ed Van Steinburg, Martin Gallery and others filed similar complaints with their EEO counselors.
March 8, 2000
The 30 day time period has expired and there has not been any contact between Joel Schwartz (lead in the class action) and ANY EEO counselors.
March 9, 2000
Joel Schwartz notified Gary Simpson, attorney that he had not been contacted and that no action had been taken.
March 10, 2000
Gary Simpson filed (on our behalf) a "Notice of Intention to Sue" with Paul M. Igasaki, Chairman of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, D.C., for Age Discrimination. Named in the suit are the United States National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Interior and/or Robert Stanton, Director National Park Service, Terri Fajardo, Sue Masica, Associate Director Administration and Robert Yearout (Acting) Associate Director, Park Operations and Education.
The "Notice of Intention to Sue" requests the following relief: 1. Reinstatement of our collateral firefighter duties; 2. Liquidated damages as allowed by law; 3. Attorney's fees and costs; and 4. Discontinuation of all activities in violation of the ADEA.
May 10, 2000
Attorney Gary Simpson filed our Complaint, a Motion for a Preliminary Injunction, a proposed order, and a proposed Show Cause Order with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
May 18, 2000
The government has agreed to the entry of a preliminary injunction until January 15, 2001. That means that all collateral duty firefighters may participate as arduous duty firefighters.
