City firefighters continue working

Historic City News has learned that City firefighters in St. Augustine have agreed to continuing working under the terms of their existing labor contract.

Professional Firefighters of St. Augustine, Local 2282, announced that they have agreed to forego contract negotiations with the City; recognizing that the City’s financial position has not substantially improved since last year.

St. Augustine Public Affairs spokesperson Cathy DuPont told Historic City News local reporters that the firefighters will continue working under the current contract for fiscal year 2011-12.

No pay raises are included this year.

The decision, in lieu of investing time, energy and financial resources in the negotiations process, comes at a time when the administration is looking for every way possible to lower costs — without furloughing employees.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer