The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has officially ruled against the Lodi Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad (LVARS)
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Lodi NJ, Is your 911 call in jeopardy? A major federal ruling has just sent shockwaves through Bergen County. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has officially ruled against the Lodi Volunteer Ambulance Rescue Squad (LVARS), finding that the agency broke federal law by firing its entire paid staff to avoid dealing with a union.
In a rare move, this local story—missed by major media outlets—reveals a deep-seated crisis in Lodi’s emergency services that affects every resident’s safety.
The Ruling: A “Default” Loss for LVARS
On January 28, 2026, the NLRB issued a Decision and Order (374 NLRB No. 26) after LVARS leadership failed to even respond to federal complaints. By staying silent, the agency effectively admitted to:
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Refusing to bargain with the International Association of EMTs and Paramedics (IAEP).
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Unilaterally eliminating all paid EMT positions (full-time, part-time, and per diem) to bypass the union.
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Violating the National Labor Relations Act, which protects a worker’s right to organize.
The “Slap in the Face” to Public Safety
The mass job cuts, which took full effect in June 2024, didn’t just leave families without a paycheck—it left Lodi without dedicated, 24-hour coverage.
Traditionally, paid EMTs provide a guaranteed response. Without them, Lodi has been forced to lean on mutual aid and Bergen County EMS. While these regional services are vital, they aren’t dedicated solely to Lodi, leading to fears of delayed response times during high-volume periods or simultaneous emergencies.
The Federal Mandate: What Happens Now?
The NLRB isn’t just wagging its finger. The federal government has ordered LVARS to take immediate corrective action:
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Reinstatement: Offer all fired EMTs their old jobs back.
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Back Pay: Provide full back pay, benefits, and interest for the time they were out of work.
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Union Recognition: LVARS must officially recognize the union and sit down at the bargaining table.
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Rescind Changes: All unilateral scheduling and staffing changes must be reversed.
Scrutiny on Leadership: More Than Just Labor Laws?
The ruling comes amid a storm of other allegations. Public safety advocates have raised concerns over the administration of the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) and general financial oversight.
Furthermore, eyebrows are being raised at the local level regarding Lodi Volunteer officers. Christopher Pirrelli (a Lieutenant with the Lodi Police Department) and his wife, Brianna Pirrelli, are currently under scrutiny as both serve as officers for the squad while also working for Bergen County EMS.
While the NLRB decision focused strictly on labor law, the community is left wondering: Who is actually looking out for the residents of Lodi?
A National Message to EMS Agencies
This case serves as a landmark warning to emergency service providers across the country. Union certification isn’t a suggestion—it’s a legal obligation. When agencies choose to eliminate professional staff rather than negotiate, it isn’t just the workers who suffer—it’s the community that relies on them in their darkest hours.
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Tags: #LodiNJ #BergenCounty #EMS #PublicSafety #LaborRights #NLRB #LodiVolunteerAmbulance #NewJerseyNews #IAEP
