The union wants a judge to rescind more than 100 department promotions made since 2003 and reopen the positions.
John O'BrienBOSTON – The union representing state probation officers has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the department’s former commissioner and top aides broke the law by awarding promotions based on political connections, not qualifications.
The National Association of Government Employees in its suit filed last month wants a judge to rescind more than 100 department promotions made since 2003 and reopen the positions. The union is also seeking unspecified monetary damages. The union represents about 1,300 agency workers.
Union President David Holway told the Boston Globe more than 100 employees have already said they lost promotions to candidates with better political connections.
Former Commissioner John O’Brien resigned late last year following an independent report outlining a hiring and promotion process rigged to reward the connected.
A department spokeswoman had no comment on the suit.