A group of Greenville firefighters recently informed city officials of their decision to join the International Association of Firefighters, a labor union based in Washington, D.C.

Greenville Mayor Dexter McLendon and fire chief Mike Phillips deferred comments to city attorney Richard Hartley. Hartley released the following statement on Friday:

“A group of members of the fire department decided to join a union, which they have every right to do,” Hartley said. “Under state and federal law, however, the city has no legal obligation to recognize them as a union or to bargain with them as a unit.”

Phone calls to the firefighter believed to have organized the effort were not immediately returned.

The Greenville Advocate will report more information as it becomes available.