PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Airport Corporation announced yesterday that they have initiated the process to terminate the employment of their fire lieutenant. According to to the RIAC, Steven Parent has knowingly and willfully engaged in efforts to “sabotage airport operations and violated his fiduciary responsibility.” “He has repeatedly contacted prospective candidates for employment at RIAC and discouraged them from working at the airport,” said RIAC in a statement. “This put the department at risk of not meeting safety requirements under Part 139 of federal regulations. These safety regulations are in place to safeguard Rhode Islanders and the traveling public,” the statement continued. RIAC said that employees that Parent has contacted have come forward to put his behavior in writing, and RIAC has given a notice to terminate Parent for this alleged misconduct. Parent has admitted to repeatedly and consistently calling prospective employees, according to RIAC. RIAC further stated that Parent benefited personally from over $52,000 in overtime pay due to vacancies. “As a lieutenant, he had direct influence on overtime shift scheduling and thus was able to direct these shifts and accompanying payments towards himself. Additionally, Mr. Parent recently informed his superiors that he conducted this activity in his ‘personal capacity’ and not as the president of the union,” RIAC further stated. “The organization relies on a properly staffed fire department to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Mr. Parent’s conduct violated RIAC’s Code of Ethics, which requires all employees to act at the highest moral, professional and ethical levels, particularly from those in leadership positions,” stated Duc Nguyen, RIAC’s senior vice president of operations. Earlier this month, the corporation held a meeting to address several reports of workplace toxicity from its employees. There was even a threat of a potential labor walkout back in August. ABC6 has reached out to parent on the allegations. Categories: News