City of Providence and IAFF Local 799 Reach Tentative Agreement

PROVIDENCE, RI – The City of Providence and its fire fighters union have a tentative
agreement for a five year contract that realizes structural healthcare and
retirement savings while resolving several ongoing legal disputes between the city
and the union.

This agreement will return Providence Fire fighters to a 4 platoon schedule with a
reduced minimum manning of 88 fire fighters/shift (previously 94/shift). Recent
reports have shown this reduction meets or exceeds best practices in comparable
cities throughout the region. The proposed contract will result in a $15 million
savings over the next 5 years, in addition to substantial savings to be realized in
healthcare and dental costs.

«Today marks what the Providence Fire Fighters hope is a proposal that begins to
address several significant issues facing both the city and the fire department,»
said Union President Paul Doughty. «This proposal is just that, a proposal, but it
is a positive step and I look forward to addressing the remaining issues with Mayor
Elorza.»

Mayor Elorza and union representatives came together Monday night to sign the
tentative agreement. This agreement will go to IAFF Local 799 for review. If
approved, changes will go into effect November 1, 2016.