Firefighters oppose Cuomo arbitration proposal
Posted at: 02/09/2013 5:05 PM
By: AP
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ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Firefighters from five states are opposing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to limit binding arbitration in union disputes which local governments say their taxpayers can no longer afford.
Cuomo proposes to cap wage increases that arbitration panels could give unionized public workers at 2 percent if the municipality is deemed to be under "fiscal distress." Mayors support the measure, saying it's needed to avoid big raises that taxpayers can't afford in contract impasses.
The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association is getting support from Connecticut, Idaho, Pennsylvania and Texas colleagues. They say Cuomo is attempting to eliminate adequate compensation.
The firefighter groups accuse the Democrat of abandoning support for labor.
Cuomo insists he remains progressive on social issues, but must be fiscally responsible.
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