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A Publication of Guidry News Service |
Members of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 571 voted 74-18 to approve a three-year collective bargaining contract with the City of Galveston. "I'm glad that the contract is over and we can move forward," said Charles Olsen, president of the firefighters union. Listen Download The contract provides pay raises of about 14 percent for captains and battalion chiefs, about seven percent for drivers and four percent for firefighters. The contract retains the Kelly Day provision that provides days off for firefighters, but includes random drug testing, which was a contentious issue. "We feel like it was time because I can guarantee you no one on this local wants to be working with somebody under the influence," Olsen said, explaining that the reluctance to approve the issue was a matter of trust between the union and the city. "Of course I am elated," said City Manager Steve LeBlanc. "I am happy to have this long negotiation finally behind us." Listen Download LeBlanc thanked Olsen for his leadership in the firefighters union. "I think he came through many times when it was going really rough," LeBlanc said. "His integrity, in my personal opinion, is way up there. He really did a great job." The city council will consider the contract for ratification on February 24. Hyperlinks will work if this document is read Online
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