PFFM's Matt Reddy And Pyle Rome's Leah Barrault Score New Hazardous Duty Stipend For Waltham Fire

In an unprecedented decision, a state arbitration panel has awarded a new hazardous duty stipend to all Waltham Fire Fighters represented by IAFF Local 866. The stipend is rolled into the base for purposes of overtime and retroactive to the beginning of the agreement, July 1, 2013.

Matt Reddy, a full-time Lynn fire fighter and Direct Vice President of Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, served as the labor representative to the three-person panel. All three panel members of the panel, including the management representative, approved the award of a hazardous duty stipend.

Attorney Leah Barrault demonstrated that hazardous duty stipend was justified given the Fire Fighters increased call volume and duties, including at Hanscom Airport, and in order to keep pace with comparable communities.

This decision represents the second consecutive time that Reddy and Barrault have succeeded in obtaining most economic items sought by Waltham Fire, Local 866.

The stipend and other economic items are subject to funding by City Council.