NK Fire Union Files Fourth Labor Relations Board Complaint

The North Kingstown Firefighters Local 1651 have filed a fourth complaint with the Rhode Island State Labor Relations Board alleging unfair labor practices after a March 27 letter signed by the Town Council was sent directly to firefighters, bypassing the union and urging them to accept a settlement offer to end a lengthy legal battle.

In a release, the union said the council used the letter in an attempt persuade the firefighters to accept the terms of the offer by offering $14,000 "cash in hand." At the same time, the union said the letter describes settlement terms that differed from what the town presented to the union during closed-door negotiations.

"Despite the North Kingstown Firefighters well-documented legal success, the letter also tells the firefighters to 'consider where the last two years of litigation have gotten you,'" the statement read.

The longstanding dispute stems from the town's imposition of 24-hour shifts for firefighters two years ago. At the same time, the union says it came along with a 23 percent reduction in pay.

In the letter, the contract is described as a "big win for you and your families," noting that while they'd remain on a 56-hour schedule, base pay would increase by 20 percent if a settlement were reached. 

"This proposal will provide you with the richest benefits of any firefighters we know of," the letter states. "Your lifetime of monthly pension benefits will be increased by 30 percent over the life of this settlement agreement."

"We ask that you vote to ratify it," the letter states. "We would ask you to consider where the last two years of litigation have gotten you. It is time for both sides to stop paying lawyers and return to normal. We are simply asking you to seriously consider the merits of this proposal and we sincerely hope we can conclude this acrimonious process with an agreement that benefits all."

Other changes included a high deductible health insurance plan and the creation of health savings accounts with the town initially funding them and covering 50 percent of deductibles, family sick leave would be cleared away but 35 hours of additional vacation and sick time would be added, unused sick time payouts would be cut from 1250 to 11 hours, and "we have agreed that your union will be given the latitude to rearrange the schedule within the 3-division structure that works best for you," the letter states.

A hearing date on the new complaint is set for Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. The hearing is at 1511 Pontiac Ave., Building 73, Cranston.