NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. — A R.I. Superior Court judge ruled that city union firefighters cannot be unilaterally required to work 24-hour shifts.
Judge Brian P. Stern ordered North Kingstown to return firefighters’ conditions to what they were before the 24-hour shift decision was made, according to the Associated Press.
North Kingstown Town Council requires firefighters to work a 24-hour shift then take 48 hours off, which saves $1.2 million a year. The firefighters union said that with that type of scheduling, firefighters would have a 56-hour work week instead of the previous 42 without any additional compensation.
North Kingstown’s town manager said he will recommend the town appeal Judge Stern’s ruling.