Firefighter Union Says Ruling 'Disappointing,' But Not 'Unanticipated'

In the wake of the state Supreme Court's decision (attached, right) Friday that said the town could continue imposing 24-hour firefighter shifts pending final decision in the matter, president of the North Kingstown fighters union, Ray Furtado, issued this statement:

“The recent decision by the Supreme Court to maintain the status quo of our current work schedule pending appeal is disappointing, but not totally unanticipated. It was a procedural finding on a portion of the Superior Court ruling which the Town appealed, and did not in any way address the illegality of the Town’s action to this point. The court clearly states that those questions are still 'looming,' and we very much look forward to that dialogue. The unfortunate result for both firefighters and our residents in the short term, however, is that it maintains an environment that breeds incredible safety concerns. Legal proceedings aside, the Town Council continues to ignore this issue, and continues to deny the fire department the resources it requires to operate this system safely and effectively.

"In reading the statement from Council President Dolan, we are pleased to see the Town finally agree with our position and acknowledge publically that this is about their assertion of a 'management right,' nothing more. If they were genuinely concerned about safety, they would independently study the issue as other responsible communities have done. If they were concerned about fairness, they would have bargained in good faith. If they were concerned about the taxpayers, they wouldn’t be risking millions in damages and legal fees to be a self-acknowledged 'test case' for other communities. Our residents voted only a few years ago to build a new fire station, add personnel and INCREASE their fire protection, not have it decimated to serve as a politically driven 'test case.' The blatant disregard of the established will of the residents is the worst offense of all. We fully intend to continue our fight for a safe work environment on their behalf.”