Agreement prevents firefighter layoffs

PROVIDENCE, R. I. (WPRI) - The City of Providence has reached a tentative agreement with the firefighters union Local 799.

Mayor Angel Taveras’ administration says the agreement will help to reduce the department’s budget for the fiscal year 2012 by $5.7 million without laying off any firefighters.

Under the agreement, union members will forgo a three percent scheduled pay raise, minimum manning will be reduced, health costs will increase, and there will be a reduction of paid vacation time.

“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,” said Mayor Taveras.

The city was forced to seek a $6 million reduction to both the fire and police department budgets in order to help close a $110 million dollar budget deficit.

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Union leaders say they are pleased with the new agreement.

“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.

City councilors appauled the agreement as well.

Council President Michael A. Solomon said, “They negotiated in good faith and have offered to help the city through this difficult time without layoffs. Everyone has been asked to share in the sacrifice and clearly Providence’s firefighters have stepped up to the table.”

The deal must be ratified by union members and the city council before it goes into effect.