Firefighters Join Police in Suing Over Cutbacks
Pittsburgh firefighters have sued the city over budget cuts they say violate their bargaining rights and endanger residents.
The firefighters union filed suit Friday in Commonwealth Court in Harrisburg three weeks after Pittsburgh’s police union filed a similar lawsuit over the city’s financial recovery plan. The firefighters also claim the recovery plan was created without examining how the cuts would affect public safety.
Aimed at making up a projected $72-million budget shortfall in 2005, the plan would cut 168 of 816 firefighter positions and close seven of 35 stations. Firefighters’ pay would also be cut 17%.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
