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The FDNY is sexist and racist when it comes to promoting women and minorities in its Emergency Medical Services division, the emergency medical services union charged Monday in a class action lawsuit.

The EMS, which was merged with the fire department in 1996, is one of the most integrated departments in the city, nevertheless, only 24% of the women hold the rank of lieutenant and only 18% have risen to the rank of captain, according to the civil rights suit filed in Manhattan Federal Court. Only 35% of the female captains are not white and only 47% of lieutenants are women of color.

In the entire FDNY there are only 52 women, according to the Uniformed EMS Officers Local 3621.

“Our members deserve proper recognition for their work, irrespective of their race or gender, just like anyone else,” Vincent Variale, president of the union, which filed the suit. “The City is not served by promoting less-qualified applicants. A promotional process that does not include proper measurements for skill and knowledge allows for too much discretion.”

The union claims that the city uses a civil service exam for promotions to the rank of lieutenant, but advancing through the department from their depends on arbitrary criteria.

The FDNY and the city Law Department did not immediately respond to calls for comment.