Firefighters protest Raimondo event

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Dozens of firefighters picketed the historic pension overhaul legislation Monday night, right outside of a fundraiser for the woman largely credited with structuring it.

"We made a promise and they didn't uphold their end of the bargain," said RI General Treasurer Gina Raimondo. "We have to stand strong as Rhode Islanders and protect this important work to move the state forward."

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The overhaul has been passed, but it's currently under legal scrutiny. A lawsuit that was filed by several RI unions following last November's pension reform is currently being heard in Superior Court.

"She's dismantled our pension system," said RI State Association of Firefighters Pres. Paul Reed. "She's created problems for safety with the fire systems by increasing the age up to 67."

Gov. Chafee has expressed willingness to return to negotiations with union representatives . Raimondo says she only supports that decision if it's recommended by the judge overseeing the case.

"If at some point the justice asks the parties to sit down and negotiate, we will do that, and we willl do that in good faith, but now is not the time for politics or back room, closed-door meetings," said Raimondo. We owe the people to let the process move forward."

"There's no compromise, there's no common ground, there was one way - take it or leave it," added Reed.

If the court dismisses the case, it would be a major step forward towards solidifying the pension overhaul as law.