The bitter relationship between Fire Chief Howard Giles and the Firefighters Union is getting uglier.

The union has filed a complaint that Giles is using employee transfers to punish union members -- and disrupt the union. They say this is illegal, and PERB (Public Employment Relations Board) is looking into it.

Giles said in a statement that transfers are typical, and are well within his right.

City Spokesperson Dave Bevens defended Giles, saying not every decision revolves around the union, and this behavior is not in Giles' heart.

PERB will give their recommendations to the City Council.