Appeal of East Derry Fire Precinct

The East Derry Fire Precinct (precinct) appeals under RSA chapter 541 from a determination of the public employee labor relations board (PELRB) certifying a bargaining unit composed of East Derry firefighters and officers. We reverse.

In October 1991, Professional Firefighters of East Derry, Local 3353, IAFF (union) petitioned the PELRB with the objective of representing a bargaining unit of ten precinct employees. The unit was composed of three officers, one dispatcher, and six firefighters. The precinct objected to the petition on the basis that RSA 273-A:8, I, requires a minimum of ten…