This week, officials from the Fire Union are pressing the City and City Council to honor the collective bargaining process by ratifying their contract.
The Council cast a narrow vote the previous week, deciding to retain the contract rather than approve it, hoping the Union might return to discussions with City Manager Jay Ash to secure marginally improved terms.
The contract negotiations have stretched beyond two years, and a state arbiter recently delivered a favorable ruling to the union by endorsing their position. Since the arbitration process resulted in a union victory, responsibility fell to the Council to ratify the contract—a step that remains pending.
Six councillors voted to hold the contract, betting that the Union would accept a reduction in the pay increases obtained through arbitration. Yet this week, Union leadership made clear they will not compromise on this matter.
Lt. Brian Capistran, president of the fire union, stated: “At this time I would like to say that Local 937 respects the collective bargaining process and will continue to do so under [state law],” He continued, “I am asking that City Manager Jay Ash and Chelsea City Council do the same by funding the award that has been placed before them. Chelsea Firefighters, Local 937, will remain committed to providing the highest level of service to the Citizens of Chelsea to protect life and property.”