(NECN: Boston) - An arbitrator has awarded Boston firefighters a 19-percent raise, but under certain conditions, including random drug testing, and limits on sick leave.
The arbitrator's ruling now heads to the Boston City Council tomorrow who will decide whether to accept the decision.
Mayor Menino, who says the arbitration will cost taxpayers an additional 74 million dollars, released the following statement:
"Today the state's Arbitration Panel handed down their 2-1 decision regarding the City of Boston's arbitration with Boston Firefighters, Local 718. I am required by law to support this award and to submit its finding to the City Council, who will decide whether or not to accept and fund the decision. I am not however bound to stay silent on the facts. This contract provides a 19% raise - which is 5% more expensive than the wages provided to other public safety agencies during successful negotiations. This award will cost taxpayers an additional estimated $74 million. These facts speak for themselves. I will, by law, submit the arbitration award to the Boston City Council tomorrow."
Edward Kelly, President of Boston Firefighters Local 718 released the following statement:
"Mayor Menino chose to take us to arbitration. Now we are both bound under the law to support the arbitrator's decision. We look forward to getting this behind us and focusing on being the best fire department we can be."
