BREAKING NEWS: Providence Reaches Agreement with Firefighters—No Layoffs
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The City of Providence has reached an agreement with the firefighter union that will save $5.7 million and avoid mass layoffs in the department, Mayor Angel Taveras’ office announced Tuesday afternoon.
Concessions made by the union include the following:
■ Giving up a 3 percent pay raise due June 30. Savings: $1 million next year.
■ Reducing minimum manning from 92 to 90, which cuts personnel, operations, and overtime expenses. Last year the city spent nearly $9 million on overtime.
■ Deferring a retroactive payment that was due on July 30. Instead it will be paid out in installments over the next two years.
■ New hires will receive automatic raises known as “steps” more slowly.
■ New hires will be eligible for pensions after 25 years, rather than 20. Also, they will contribute 9 percent of their pay instead of 8 percent.
■ Vacation time will be cut by one week, further reducing overtime.
“I am grateful to Local 799 leadership for their willingness to accept significant reductions to their labor agreement. Despite just recently having settled a longstanding contract dispute, Local 799 came to the table willing to negotiate a solution that allows us to create significant savings without cutting jobs or compromising our fire and rescue services. I commend Local 799’s willingness to help our City during this time of critical need,” Taveras said.
“Like many in the community, the men and women of the Providence Fire Department have been asked to share in the sacrifice necessitated by the severe budget crisis facing the City. While these cuts will be a hardship for many in the department, we negotiated an agreement that keeps people working and creates significant financial relief for Providence,” said Local 799 President Paul Doughty.
DEVELOPING…..
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