Loot and Ladders: Mayor, Union reach compromise

Adam Gaffin reports that the City Council held an emergency meeting at 10:30 last night.  He wonders what has them all fired up.
Yeah, they struck a deal (WCVB).  The Council has to vote on it today, but I think it's done.

Andrew Ryan has the details.

A key component of the compromise was reducing, from 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent, a raise given to firefighters in the award as a quid pro quo for undergoing drug and alcohol testing. The deal also defers that raise by a year, to June 2011. Newly hired firefighters will still receive the additional pay, but it will be rebranded as compensation for a wellness program, which will require an annual physical and an abilities test in addition to urine screenings.

I'm not sure I'd equate Menino losing his recent suggestion that only current firefighters receive the raise and Kelly losing 1% of the arbitrator's raise decision.  I mean, that "applies to current firefighters only" thing was probably never a real option.  Just a bargaining chip to get this contract signed.  Local 718 basically realized it was financially impossible to get the 2.5% raise, and took what they could get.

Peter Gelzinis approves of the contract, saying that Local 718 stands to gain more than they conceded.  Technically true... they conceded 1% and kept 1.5%, which is 1.5% more than they would have if this contract didn't get hammered out.

Edward Mason and Dave Wedge have more about the contract, including what it means.

An initial estimate by city officials put the savings in the reduced pay hike at $66 million on additional costs for firefighters. It is unclear how it will affect other contracts.

What do you think? Please feel free to comment!