PROVIDENCE, R.I. — City officials said they will prosecute firefighters for not working during an ongoing shift-change battle between the firefighters’ union and city.
The Providence Journal reported that two engines and two ladders were not staffed Saturday because there were not enough firefighters available.
“Firefighters who would have been eligible for callbacks tonight have refused,” according to a statement from Evan England, the spokesman for Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Such actions for firefighters are illegal, anyone caught coordinating will be prosecuted.”
Firefighters Local 799 President Paul Doughty said the city reduced staffing Saturday even though firefighters were willing to work.
“Never … have we let the firefighter decide whether we will affect safety or not,” Doughty said.
Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré, who became the department’s acting chief last month, said firefighters who had been on the job for 38 hours were sent home.
The dispute has arisen over a scheduling change by the city. The union argues that the change in the work week must be negotiated.