WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The Providence firefighters’ union is asking a judge to block the city from restructuring the fire department until both sides agree how much to pay firefighters for working more weekly hours.
Officials with the firefighters union requested a temporary restraining order against the city Monday in Superior Court. They say they expect the city will breach its collective bargaining agreement with the union by moving the fire department from four platoons to three. Doing so would require firefighters to work an average 14 more hours each week.
They also say they want a declaratory judgment allowing the union to go to arbitration over the proposed changes.
Mayor Jorge Elorza has said he hopes to reach a new contract with the firefighters, but has set a June 30 deadline.
