Plymouth Town Meeting Funds Fire Fighters' Contract As Awarded by Arbitrator

Today, Plymouth Town Meeting voted overwhelmingly to fund a new contract that will help fire fighters get closer to average wages. Attorney Leah Barrault represents Plymouth Fire Fighters Local 1768, IAFF.

Earlier this year, a three-member panel led by a neutral arbitrator awarded 8.5 percent salary increase over three years to the fire fighters, based on data showing that Plymouth fire fighters continued to lag significantly behind their peers. (The Award is attached). The panel also awarded other benefits to the Local 1768, including maintaining the 24-hour shift for 2014, and the ability to swap shifts.

As with all awards from a panel of the Joint Labor Management Committee, the economic benefits do not take effect until the award is funded at Town Meeting. Local 1768, led by President James Brown, worked tirelessly to develop support from Town Meeting members. A deeply divided Finance Committee advocated against funding, but a committee member reversed his opposition at Town Meeting. The ultimate vote was 2-1 in favor of Fire Fighters.