Providence, city firefighters, reach tentative contract deal

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Providence Firefighters Union and the city have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract that includes 4% annual pay raises, but also increases union members’ pension and medical contributions.

The deal, that runs from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2027, has yet to be ratified by about 400 union members, and union leadership expects a vote later this month.

“I’m confident that it’s a good deal for both the city and the membership,” union President Derek Silva told WPRI-TV on Tuesday.

The tentative deal was also welcomed by Mayor Jorge Elorza.

“My top priority since taking office has been addressing the city’s long-standing structural challenges that have held the city back,” he said in a statement. “This agreement achieves significant pension reform as a means for longer term financial stability for the city and recognizes the hard work of our Providence firefighters.”

The agreement would increase the firefighters’ pension contributions to 16% of their gross pay by 2026.