Providence Firefighters to Hold Listening Tour Throughout City
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence Firefighters to Hold Listening Tour Throughout City
Over the next several weeks, firefighters will host meetings once a week at convenient locations across the city.
During the meetings, the firefighters will share information about the current battle with Mayor Jorge Elorza, their legal position, the failures of the Mayor and the financial issues the city would face if Elorza loses.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe firefighters will look to demonstrate the effect a $12-20 million judgment would have on the city and will also show what city services would be cut, what quality of life issues would be impacted, and how much your taxes would be raised.
Firefighters vs. Elorza
The Providence Firefighters got a victory over Mayor Elorza's new plan on Thursday, September 10, when Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Lanphear ordered the issue be resolved through grievance arbitration.
In a ten page decision, Lanphear said the three platoon structure was a management right, but “The effects of the implementation of the three-platoon structure including wages, rates of pay, hours and other terms and conditions of employment shall be resolved pursuant to the grievance procedures set forth in Article XVI, Section 1 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.”
Providence Firefighter Tweets
Paul Doughty responds to a post by Elorza on another subject, to steer the fight back to the firefighters.
A photo meme that was orginated by firefighters in social media, before being used on signs during a recent firefighter rally at City Hall.
The fighfighters take to Twitter to convey their positions on a number of issues.
Local 799's Derek Silva tweets a cartoon "fantasty" Tweet with Elorza.
Elorza's post recognizing fire chief Cunha's service gets minimal interaction.
On May 21, when Elorza announced the platoon shift, he tweeted instead about a volunteer event he attended -- and not of the firefighter decision.
Other press coverage of Elorza is often commented on by Doughty on Twitter.
Doughty uses Twitter to show the contrast of a prior Elorza statement, versus his current position.
A pro-union tweet garners significant Twitter interaction.
Doughty takes to social media to tell firefighter supporters than any threats against the Mayor would not be tolerated.
Doughty often comments on other actions by Mayor Elorza in an effort to bolster the firefighters' position.
Doughty takes immediate social action after the Mayor weighs on about the recent court decision.
Media coverage on the fight is often retweeted by Doughty -- something which Elorza does not do with firefighters.
A pro-union post retweeted by Doughty; the firefighters often engage other unions' support.
