Firefighter layoffs loom in two towns

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North Providence and Woonsocket threaten layoffs

Updated: Wednesday, 25 Feb 2009, 10:45 AM EST
Published : Tuesday, 24 Feb 2009, 6:56 AM EST

NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI (WPRI) - Court hearings are scheduled over firefighter layoffs in two local communities.

North Providence firefighters won a temporary restraining order last week, but that may not last beyond today's scheduled court hearing.

Mayor Charles Lombardi says he will immediately layoff 30 firefighters, if the court rules in favor of the town.

He says layoffs are necessary, because the firefighters union refused to accept pay cuts and higher health care costs.

Woonsocket firefighters and city officials are set to fight the same battle in superior court today.

Like North Providence, Woonsocket threatened layoffs if firefighters refused salary cuts.

The union also won a temporary restraining order blocking layoffs.