By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
Lieutenant Governor Dan McKee and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza continue to pushback against legislation which would place firefighter shift scheduling in the realm of collective bargaining.
The legislation was proposed in the wake of Mayor Elorza announcing he would cut down on firefighter platoon shifts in order to close a large budget deficit. Elorza, who is in negotiations with Providence firefighters, says the new bill hampers local lawmakers.
“We believe the bill would have a devastating impact on Providence and cities and towns throughout RI. It would undermine current negotiations with the Firefighters Union, handcuff our efforts to address unsustainable overtime costs and prevent us from making needed investments in schools and economic infrastructure,” said Elorza’s office in a statement.
Both the House bill and its Senate companion were schedule to go before their respective labor committees when the vote was postponed.
Dan McKee told WPRO’s Dan Yorke he hopes lawmakers will take the time to consider the impact the legislation would have.
“It is going to create so many financial problems in the short and long term that this bill is not in the interest of local taxpayers,” said McKee.
“I’m taking my lead from and my cues from the municipal leaders right now, and that’s what I’m being told,” continued McKee “We’re going to try and stop the bill if possible and if not take it to the next step and take it to the Governor’s office.”
Governor Gina Raimondo is on record as saying she is concerned about the reach of the legislation but would not say if she would consider using her veto power.
