Firefighter Battle Extinguished in Enfield

Some Enfield firefighters hit the street Tuesday in protest of layoffs and won!  The Union and Board of Fire Commissioners finally reached an agreement that will keep everyone on the payroll.

Dozens of firefighters gathered at 100 High Street with signs in hand, silently protesting proposed layoffs.  The Board of Fire Commissioners recently approved five layoffs after negotiations with the Union reached an impasse.

The main point of contention was the Board’s suggestion for 3 man crews.  The current Union contract forbids it and requires four man companies in order to comply with OSHA regulations.  The Board however argued that three man crews would save $300,000 a year in overtime expenses.

There’s no works if the tentative agreement includes 3 man companies or not, but the Fire Chief says they will save at least 40 percent of the gap.

“I think it’s a good agreement.  Again, we wanted to avoid the layoffs.  This will preserve safety and we’re going to move forward from there,” said Chief Frank Alaimo.

“It’s going to be a big relief to many guys.  Since August there’s been a lot of tension.  A lot of families didn’t know what was going on day by day.  It’ll make those guys feel 100% better,” said Thomas Brocuglio, a Thompsonville firefighter.

The Board of Fire Commissioners ratified the agreement during an executive session Tuesday night.  The Union is expected to do the same at their regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday night.
 

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