The Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee and municipal leaders are urging lawmakers to reject a proposal to mandate overtime pay for firefighters.
McKee and the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns oppose legislation that would entitle firefighters to receive overtime pay for working more than 42 hours a week.
They say passing the bill would stop municipalities from reigning in overtime costs and infringe on managerial rights.
Committees in both chambers are considering the legislation.
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza is trying to restructure the city’s fire department to save money.
Providence firefighters’ union president Paul Doughty says the bill would prevent firefighters from being forced to work longer hours without full compensation.
Firefighters aren’t required to be paid overtime.
The bill would set the workweek unless a municipality and its firefighters agreed otherwise.