The Associated Press
WATERBURY, Conn. — Waterbury officials and the union representing firefighters have agreed to a new three-year contract that includes pay raises and random drug testing.
The Republican-American reports that the proposed contract calls for pay raises totaling 6.5 percent over three years, costing the city about $1.6 million.
The proposed raises would help bridge the gap between Waterbury’s firefighters and those in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Stamford.
The contract would require random drug testing similar to what’s in place for police. Mayor Neil M. O’Leary says the Police Department fired two people for drug use in the past nine years.
Firefighters would be tested at least once every two years. Those who admit to an addiction before a test would get rehabilitation help, not discipline.
Testing positive for an illegal substance would result in firing.