Overview
- The temporary restraining order against East Bank firefighter Stephen Orkus Jr. was filed shortly after the Nov. 5 council meeting and is effective through Nov. 13, according to court records.
- The order bars Orkus from coming within 100 feet of Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng, within 100 yards of her home, and from entering the Yenni and General Government buildings.
- Judge John LeBlanc of the 24th Judicial District Court is set to review the order at a hearing next week.
- Orkus says the action is political retaliation and says he was placed on administrative leave, while union president Robert Burkett called the order over the top and said attorneys are reviewing it.
- The filing escalates a months-long dispute over firefighter pay and a Parish Council-approved $50,000 Gambel Communications contract, with the parish citing affordability constraints and the union seeking an $18 hourly starting wage and broader raises.