Prov. FD approves new deal with city

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WPRI) - The Providence Fire Department has approved a settlement with the city that resolves lawsuits about cost of living adjustments.

The department held a secret ballot vote Wednesday night to ratify the agreement which passed by a margin of 70%-30%.

The new settlement includes separate agreements for active fire and police and retired fire and police.

It also provides for a suspension of the cost of living adjustments for a 10-year-period and requires members to enroll in Medicare when they are eligible.

Mayor Angel Taveras issued the following statement in response to the approval: “I appreciate the Providence Firefighters for their vote to make needed reforms that will protect our pension system for retirees and current employees. In the last 22 months, we have come together and shared in the necessary sacrifice to put Providence on stronger fiscal ground. I am hopeful that our police will act quickly and join our firefighters, retirees and municipal employees, so we can move Providence forward and focus on the important work of creating jobs, expanding educational opportunities and improving public safety in every part of our city.”