WPRO News and the Associated Press
CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) – Austerity measures at the Central Coventry Fire District have hit firefighters’ paychecks as the district’s newly appointed receiver followed a plan to balance the district’s finances.
The Providence Journal reports that a delegation of state officials, including revenue director Rosemary Booth Gallogly, announced the next phase of their mission to take over the district.
The state has detailed ideas to bring the district’s costs in line with tax revenue. It includes laying off some staff and requiring 56-hour work weeks with no overtime pay.
Firefighters will work a 24-hour shift and take 48 hours off.
The district will not pay for retired firefighters’ health and dental benefits. Firefighters will pay 20 percent of the cost of their health-insurance premium.
The International Association of Firefighters Local 3372 will contest the new terms of employment in bankruptcy court.
