Arbitation award on prior contract gives firefighters 2.25% raise

By JOHN HOWELL
Posted 2/27/20

An interest arbitration board reached a decision Tuesday regarding the FY19 firefighters' contract, awarding an across-the-board wage increase of 2.25 percent for the July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 agreement, Mayor Joseph J. Solomon announced

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Arbitation award on prior contract gives firefighters 2.25% raise

Posted

An interest arbitration board reached a decision Tuesday regarding the FY19 firefighters’ contract, awarding an across-the-board wage increase of 2.25 percent for the July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 agreement, Mayor Joseph J. Solomon announced Wednesday.

The decision puts to rest the final issue related to negotiations that had been ongoing since the prior contract expired on June 30, 2018. Last month, the city and Union ratified a new, cost-neutral three-year agreement that extends from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022. As part of those negotiations, the parties agreed to withdraw all proposals in the matter of the 2018-2019 contract except for wage increases. The union initially sought a 4 percent increase, which was later revised to 3 percent.  

“While the arbitrators awarded more than the 1.5 percent increase the city felt was reasonable, I am pleased that they reached a decision that’s fair to the union membership and our community,” the mayor said in a statement. “I would like to once again thank the union for their ongoing cooperation and willingness to work with my administration to resolve this outstanding issue, reach a new collective bargaining agreement and move forward in a positive new direction together.”

In its ruling, the arbitrators found that the union’s proposals were not justified. In the July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018 contract negotiated prior to Solomon taking office as mayor, the union had negotiated a 7.5 percent increase, which was above the statewide average during the same time frame, with the exception of Cranston’s 9 percent increase.  

After examining the city’s finances, the board also found that, based on its unassigned fund balance, the city has sufficient cash reserves to subsidize the 2.25 percent increase, which results in a total award of $478,456. It also said that the city’s positive financial outlook was further bolstered by its long-term bond rating, Solomon said.  

“It been a long process, “ said firefighters union president Michael Carreiro. “I’m glad to put behind us and move in the right direction.”

Settlement of the new contract, which helped to simplify the FY19 arbitration process, extends from July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2022, includes no raise in this fiscal year and 2 percent raises in years two and three. The contract will save the city over $600,000 in the first year, and, over the full three years, cost reductions will completely offset the wage increases, resulting in a cost-neutral contract.  

In addition, all employees hired subsequent to July 1, 2019 contribute to current co-shares for health insurance, and will also be required to contribute an additional 2 percent of their pay to an OPEB trust, which will be used to help offset their healthcare costs in retirement. By the city actuary’s calculations, this additional contribution to the OPEB fund will reduce the city’s contribution toward retiree healthcare for new hires by 30 percent – a 30 percent savings for taxpayers.

The pact also saves the city and its taxpayers significant money with the reduction of seven days off per year pertaining to sick days, personal days and holidays.

The contract includes implementation of a 24-hour shift schedule, which is projected to lead to decreased overtime costs, and also requires new hires to remain on a lower pay scale for two additional years (four years instead of two) before they are able to achieve the top step.

Several outstanding issues associated with prior contracts have been addressed in the new pact. This contract implements the Tier II pension reform that the previous contracts failed to include and corrects the issue of unused sick time payout.

Comments

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  • JamesBruder

    Maybe Mr. Simoneau can clean up his false Facebook post.

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • Apple_martinis

    ...and we just keep on winning!

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • Apple_martinis

    In order for a lie to stick, you have to continually repeat it over and over. Hence the proclamation the taxpayers are saving money with double raises to fire department in one full swoop. Can you imagine having an extra $500-1,000 in your paycheck? No? Neither can I. Secondly, the FD hasn't hired anyone. Their projected long term savings is bunk and they know it. It sounds good though and that's all that matters.

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    “Arbitration panel with WFD Lawyer Joseph Penza, Warwick City Lawyer Vincent Ragosta and allegedly a neutral arbitrator has awarded the WFD Union 2.5% percent raise for 2018. The arbitration system in RI is a JOKE, and this decision proves it. So WFD got 10% raise for 3 years in 2015 from Avedisian. Now 2.5% in 2018, and 0% in 2019, 2% in 2020, 2% in 2021 from Solomon. WHO DO YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY FROM THOSE PAYING FOR THESE RAISES, THAT GOT OVER 16.5% COMPOUNDED PAY RAISES from 2015 thru 2021? - Johnny Sweatpants Simoneau”

    It’s actually 7.5% from 2015-2018, 2.25% from 2018-2019, then 4% from 2019-2022. But why ignore the facts John.... for an average of 1.9% over 7 years.

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • Honestinfo

    Grab the popcorn, this is going get good. Robbie Robbie Robbie you made a fool of yourself again.

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • joemomma

    are we actually surprised the bucktooth wonder cant do basic math

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Last 5 years .....

    CPI averaged 2.02 in the last 5 years

    Social Security averaged 1.6 in the last 5 years

    Warwick Fire Dept. 1.55 %.

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • Blondy56

    Yo really can't make this stuff up......

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Hi Friends....

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Unlike you FAKE NAME COWARDS, I don't have the inside documents. I rely on the FAKE NEWS in RI for my numbers. I STATED EXACTLY WHAT WAS IN THE PRESS. I bet my MASTERS Degree plus Computer programming degree proves I can do basic math. We'll see how your math does WHEN YOU RETIRE AND RECEIVE NONE OF WHAT YOU'VE BEEN PROMISED, PAUD FIR, AND WHAT YOU MADE FUTURE LIFE DECISIONS ON.... TAKE IT FROM ONE WHO KNOWS ALL TO WELL HOW THAT IS. LITTLE ADVISE FOR YOU. DON'T COUNT ON THE CORRUPT COURT SYSTEM IN RI. THEY ARE ALL JUST POLITICIANS IN ROBES, THAT DON'T FOLLOW THE RULE OF LAW, CONSTITUTIONS, OR THEIR OWN CASE PRECEDENTS.

    To the usual FAKE NAME COWARDS, let's stick to the story above, and try not to trot out all your lies and slanderous comments because the facts aren't on your side. WE'LL SEE !

    Thursday, February 27, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    John,

    Fake news is when you spread false info, or NOT CORRECT posted info. Your original post complete with fake numbers is still up on the sea hags website. I get it, correcting it doesn’t fit your narrative. Fake news strikes again.

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Fake name COWARD. I heard 2.5% on ch12 news, and now 2.25% in Beacon, so I'll stay with that until shown different. .25% really doesn't change my point .... try to keep up dope.... ARBITRATION IN RI IS BROKEN AGAINST TAXPAYERS and WFD ARE OVERPAID CELLAR DWELLERS, THAT SHOULDN'TBE GETTING ANY RAISES. PERIOD!

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    John,

    What about the 10% from 2015-2018 you falsely claim. Info is easily found out by reading. It’s 7.5%.... you also don’t mention ZERO% raises for 2012-2015..... in 10 years the firefighters got an average of 1.3% raise. Hardly outrageous.

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    It seems Johnny Pajamas needs to change his name to Johnny Hypocrite, due to the fact he complains about public employee salaries and benefits in Warwick, while collecting a phony TAX FREE disability pension from the Providence Police Department due to a bogus injury he mysteriously sustained at the same time the city was getting ready to fire him.

    So tell us Johnny Hypocrite, exactly how much TAX FREE money do you fraudulently collect from the city of Providence every month?

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    I'll say it once again FAKE NAME COWARD....Use your real name, meet me, and I'll tell you everything you want to know.

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    All POLITICIANS are COWARDS afraid to take on the unions. They are bought and paid for union hacks. The silent majority of taxpayers, that don't bother to vote or show up at Council meetings, need to get off their ass and get involved. Only then do the rest of us have a chance of changing things. It isn't the Unions fault. Their job is to fight to get as much as possible for their members. It is the POLITICIANS fault for giving in to their demands. Until people wake up and get involved , by using their numbers at the ballot box, nothing will change!

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Simply examining the salary level percent increase is a red herring.

    A more accurate measurement of overall firefighter compensation can be performed by examining the overall Personnel Services line items in the firefighter budget. These line items cover not only salary expenses but overtime, holiday reimbursement, unused sick time payouts and other compensation.

    From 2015 through the 2019 fiscal year, overall costs for these line items have increase by a total of 22.4%.

    That result in an annual average increase of 5.6%.

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Bob,

    Including OT is the most idiotic stat going.... Not everyone gets OT. OT is not guaranteed. The city is creating OT by not hiring for over 3 years and 40 people retiring. Give me a break with that number. Idiotic

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Bib Cusmnan

    Thanks for not being a FAKE NAME COWARD, and having the integrity to stand up for what you believe, and the willingness to defend your position and beliefs.

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Bob Cushman ......

    My cell phone settings changed to somehow change what I actually typed in above ...... sorry should have proof read above first .... lol

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    While they're 3 of the biggest political losers in the state, you have to give credit to Cushman, Block Head, and Stacia-at least they ran for public office (and embarrassed themselves). The same cannot be said for Johnny Hypocrite and Captain Criminal-they prefer to make fools of themselves at city council meetings and internet blog sites. How pathetic Johnny Hypocrite and Captain Criminal.

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    BLAH, BLAH, BLAH. SAME OLD BS ...

    REAL NAME COWARD .... talk about embarrassing yourself and having no credibility...... COWARD !!!!

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Bob_Cushman

    Based on math majors response he is not disputing the fact that firefighter personnel expenses have increased over 22 percent over 4 years.

    Friday, February 28, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    When the day comes that Johnny Pajamas comes clean and informs the public how much he collects every month in TAX FREE payments, maybe he'll have some credibility. Until then, he's just going to be known as an angry blowhard who has become as irrelevant as his girlfriend Stacia. And speaking of Stacia, at least she had the courage to move to Charlestown-something Johnny Pajamas will never do.

    Saturday, February 29, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    BLAH, BLAH, BLAH ...... COWARD!

    Saturday, February 29, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Seeing as there is so much back and fourth and no one knows what’s correct, I’ll ask a simple question to Mr. Simoneau, simple one word answer needed Yes or no, do you collect a tax free disability pension?

    Saturday, February 29, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    To Sandra W.:

    Don't expect an answer from the slimy weasel Johnny Pajamas about his TAX FREE disability pension from the Providence Police Department, because it would not fit his narrative about attacking every other public employee in the city.

    And Johnny the Moron should know that per Rhode Island state law, the salaries and pension payments to all public employees are public record., and a simple request to the city of Providence personnel department would find that Johnny Pajamas has been collecting a TAX FREE disability pension from the city of Providence for approximately 25 years, along with FREE health coverage for himself and his wife. With compounded raises figured in, you'll also find out that Johnny The Fraud is now collecting over $100,000 per year TAX FREE, due to his phony knee injury which mysteriously occurred at the same time the police department was in the process of firing him for a long list of infractions accumulated during his short career of dishonorable service. Do some simple math, and you'll see that Johnny The Fraud has collected well over TWO MILLION DOLLARS from the taxpayers of Providence since his bogus injury, and he has not paid one dime in taxes on that money.

    Now you can see why he's so evasive when anyone asks him about his phony disability pension-it's because he's a hypocrite who swindled the taxpayers of Providence, but he wants the people of Warwick to think he's some kind of citizen watchdog.

    Sorry Johnny Pajamas, but you can't wash the tarnish off the badge you wore so dishonorably.

    Saturday, February 29, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Educated Voter .... LMFAO

    Again, you use a fake name .... COWARD.... because everything you say about me, who uses his real name, IS A LIE. You know it is, just as you know I would file suit against you for saying it. IT IS ALL LIES .... You really need some education on FACTS and TRUTH. LOL

    GROW A SET AND PUT YOUR NAME TO IT IF YOU THINK IT IS TRUE ..... I DARE YOU ..... COWARD !!!

    Saturday, February 29, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Educated Voter ..... COWARD...

    FYI. and anyone else .... I don't want people if Warwick, to think I'm a watchdog. What I say is my opinion, and I stand behind them with my name. Unlike you COWARDS.

    I could care less what others say, think, or care about me. I never have, and never will, especially you COWARDS.

    YOU, and people like you, are a disgrace to the human race. Now get me out of your head ..... it is no way to live your pathetic life?

    Saturday, February 29, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Mr Simoneau YES Or NO?????

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Good luck trying to get an answer Sandra W.-Johnny the slimy weasel is too embarrassed to answer that question, as he takes home over $100,00 per year-TAX FREE.

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Educated Voter .... COWARD

    The only embarrassment I have is of living on the same planet as FAKE NAME COWARDS like you, and Sandra W. It is probably just you, a loser using more than one fake name to get the info you are afraid to get face to face. I'll speak slower for you to comprehend .... Come ask me whatever you want face to face, and I'll answer any question you have !

    That is what MEN DO. If I wanted to know anything about you, I would come to you and ask FACE TO FACE. I already know all there is to know about you ... YOU ARE NOT A MAN BUT JUST A COWARD. Enough said on this topic. Move on COWARD.

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    I’ll take that as a solid yes.

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    N.O.Y.F.B. .... That solid enough for you COWARD?

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Mr. Simoneau, you were a public employee it is my business.

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Do you live in Providence?

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • JamesBruder

    Mr Simoneau, your honesty speaks to your character. Or lack there of. You are a tax cheat and a fraud. Good day sir.

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Sandra W .. Fake name COWARD

    You know nothing about me, so your statement shows what you are ... AN IDIOT SCUMBAG

    FYI .... I EANED EVERYTHING I GET AND THEN SOME. You should have walked a day in my shoes .... I'd bet you would have quit the first shift policing in South Providence . Now go away with your drivel, unless you got something to say on this story you posted on above. Some tax free advice....Get a life NOT TROLLING on the Beacon Blog spouting your ignorance!

    Sunday, March 1, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    There you go Sandra W.-another non-answer from Johnny the Coward. Instead of answering your question about his bogus disability pension, he boasts about patrolling the streets of South Providence (where he spent the majority of his career sleeping in his cruiser and harassing women).

    You'll never get a straight answer from Johnny the Coward, and that's precisely why he'll never run for public office. He's got so many skeletons in his closet (including his $100,000 per year TAX FREE phony disability pension) that he would never run. The scrutiny and humility he would face would be just too much for him to take, and he would be forced to move out of his mold and rat infested Oakland Beach shack and move to Charlestown with his girlfriend Stacia.

    Monday, March 2, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Educated Voter....... COWARD

    Why don't you run? Sumbag COWARD won't even give his real name as he spouts off like the IDIOT he is, since he knows NOTHING ABOUT ME, except THE FEAR HE HAS OF ME ... COWARD!

    GO AWAY LOSER. NOBODY CARES WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY!

    Monday, March 2, 2020 Report this

  • Warwickbeautiful

    Johnny Sweat Pants stated: "Why don't you run?"

    Well Einstein, did it ever occur to you the reason why people DON'T run is that they are perfectly happy with the elected officials currently in office? Take Ward 6 for example, where the council member there is an icon in the community, and the people of Ward 6 are very happy with their representation.

    Just because Johnny Pajamas has a personal vendetta against someone does not mean they're doing a subpar job, and the perfect example of that is Ward 6. Also, you would think that if Johnny Sweat Pants was so filled with rage about the current representation in his ward, he would stand outside his car at the Oakland Beach seawall and beg anyone driving by or walking their dog to sign his nomination papers and run for political office. While the chances of a sociopath such as Johnny Pajamas getting the requisite number of signatures to qualify to have his name put on the ballot in Ward 6 are slim and none, at least he could say he tried.

    Maybe if he wanted to represent the residents in the psychiatric ward at Butler Hospital, he might be able to find enough fellow patients to sign his his nomination papers, but even that is highly in doubt. But fear not Johnny Sweat Pants, he could always ask the panhandlers at Wildes Corner or Bald Hill Rd. and East Ave. to sign his nomination papers. He and them have quite a bit in common, especially when it comes to personal hygiene.

    Monday, March 2, 2020 Report this

  • Apple_martinis

    Did anyone even notice the typo in the headline? Arbitation lol

    Monday, March 2, 2020 Report this

  • Jsimmy230

    Educated voter.... COWARD AND STUPID ..LMFAO

    WARD 6 COUNCIL PERSON, WHO HAS BEEN FOUND GUILTY BY BOTH THE RI ETHICS COMMISSION AND RI ELECTIONS BOARD IN THE RECENT PAST BECAUSE SHE IS ALSO TO STUPID TO FILL OUT AN IDIOT FORM AND HANDLE CONTRIBUTIONS CORRECTLY. SHE IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE WHY WARWICK IS BROKE AND GOING UNDER. ANYONE WITH HALF A BRAIN COULD BEAT HER IN NOVEMBER. IN 2016, THE GUY THAT RAN AGAINST HER DID NOTHING BUT PUT HIS NAME ON THE BALLOT, NOTHING ELSE AT ALL, AND HE GOT 38% OF THE VOTE. DIDN'T EVEN RUN A CAMPAIGN AND GOT 38%.

    NO ONE WANTS THE JOB OF BEING A POLITICIAN IN WARWICK BECAUSE THEY ARE ALL BOUGHT AND PAID FOR BY THE UNIONS. ALL DEMOCRATS IN THEIR BROKEN SYSTEM, AND THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO GET ANYTHING DONE.

    GOOD LUCK WITH DONNA TRAVIS AND THE OTHER DOPES IN OFFICE. YOU GET THE GOVERNMENT YOU DESERVE COWARD !

    Monday, March 2, 2020 Report this

  • ThatGuyInRI

    These comments are more entertaining than most things on TV.

    Keep in mind, numbers can be made to look like whatever you want them to. It's the source that matters, not the numbers no matter what side of an argumetn you're on.

    Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Report this

  • Thecaptain

    Educated voter,

    The council person from Ward 6 is an uneducated grammar school drop out that cant spell 3 letter words. She has been on the wrong side of every taxpayer issue since day 1. Since she has no formal skills, she has had to be a political suck up. That's how she got her job, that's how she got her daughter's job.

    Keep in mind that her ward received a huge property tax increase this year. What did she do about it? She did not say 1 single word. That's also why her ward shows the least socioeconomic advancement. Also why the school in her ward was rated as the worst learning facility in the city with the worst rate of absenteeism on the part of both teachers and students. She is an embarrassment to the community every time that she opens her mouth.

    Not withstanding her long time habitual tax delinquency since 2004. Nearly 2 years delinquent in property and car taxes. Same with her daughter. Here is one of many articles.

    https://www.abc6.com/warwick-city-council-president-behind-on-paying-her-taxes/

    But her good friend Scott Avedisian gave her a special deal so that she could pay monthly whatever she could afford. How nice is that. imagine if that deal was extended to everyone?

    Why is Warwick in the fiscal condition it is today? Travis is just one of the examples.

    Friday, March 6, 2020 Report this