Warwick strikes deal with police, fire

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Police and firefighters' unions in Warwick have agreed to a new three-year contract that is designed to save the city a lot of money.

Under the deal, there will be no wage increases.

"I've been here for 28 years. We've never gone without a raise for three years," said Sgt. Peter Johnson. "That's a long time."

Police and firefighters have also agreed to an increase in health care contributions.

Eyewitness News has learned the new contracts will save the city more than $900,000. The agreements will also reduce the pension system's unfunded liability.

"The goal was to keep all three unions at the table so we could decide our own future instead of having some arbitrators make decisions for us," said Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian. "Overall, it's a win for everybody and it allows us to move forward with three years of labor peace."

Representatives of the police and firefighters unions say their memberships voted overwhelmingly in favor of the contracts.

"This contract gives our membership three years of security in what we know is financially hard times for the city as well as the rest of the state," said Fire Union President Bill Lloyd. "So having that security for us means a lot. We gave a little, the city gave a little, and ultimately we ended up with a contract that's beneficial to both parties."

The city has also reached a tentative agreement with the municipal employees union. Its membership is scheduled to vote on the contract Friday.