RI City Delays Vote on Firefighters Contract
By Kevin G. Andrade
Source The Providence Journal, R.I.
WARWICK, RI—A procedural hurdle tripped up City Council plans for a vote during a special meeting on a new firefighters contract before the end of the year.
City Council President Steve Merolla said that two members of the council did not receive in-hand notice of the meeting.
"Two of the council members didn't have in-hand notices," he said. "If we did have a vote the results could have been nullified because of that [according to City Charter]."
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The contract in question involves post-retirement healthcare, as well as pay raises of 2% for new hires in their second and third years.
It also increases managerial rights.
"I respect the council majority's attempt to do the people's business and their honesty and commitment to transparency, which has been a priority of my administration," Mayor Joseph J. Solomon said in an e-mailed statement regarding the meeting. "I stand by this agreement, and, after two nights of public comment, I look forward to the council voting on this issue."
Michael Carreiro, president of Local 2748 of the International Association of Firefighters, which represents Warwick firefighters, said the postponing of the vote was frustrating, though he did not see any ill intent behind it.
"I know their intentions were good to have a special meeting," the union president said. "The council's now had a month to review [the contract]. Any questions should have already been answered."
The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Jan. 6.
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