By Lauren Stanforth
The Times-Union
SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Planned cuts in the number of city firefighters next year could be avoided if the firefighters union ratifies a new contract with the city this week.
City Council President Gary McCarthy said Sunday that the union, Local 28, and city negotiators have a tentative memorandum of understanding that is ready to be voted on by the union. “It’s a multiyear agreement that is structured in a way that will preserve staffing in the Fire Department at the current levels,” he said.
McCarthy said he couldn’t discuss details of the possible contract. The City Council will review the tentative agreement in an executive session at Monday ‘s committee meeting.
In October, Mayor Brian U. Stratton proposed a $76.9 million budget that called for eliminating 19 firefighter positions and shutting one of four firehouses to help close a multimillion-dollar budget hole. That plan sparked a protest by about 200 area firefighters outside City Hall Oct. 12 and a public relations campaign that included leafleting and posting lawn signs around the city.
The union, which includes about 120 people, had been negotiating with the city to resolve its contract, which expired at the end of 2009. Union leaders also agreed to discuss possible concessions to save jobs targeted for elimination, which at one point numbered 22, including three trainees, according to Fire Chief Robert Farstad.
The City Council adopted a $77 million budget that whittled firefighter job losses to 14 and upped the tax increase from 4 to 4.9 percent. McCarthy said the actual number of firefighter positions that could be saved with a contract approval is unknown, as the department has been operating above authorized strength with the approval of civil service.
Stratton said Sunday he believes union members would approve the changes. “Even before the budget was voted on they’ve been optimistic and fortright,” Stratton said, adding “they want to keep a public profile of the value of service they provide.”
Local 28 President David Orr couldn’t be reached for comment Sunday.
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