CLEVELAND (AP) -- A union representing Cleveland's firefighters reached a deal with the city Thursday that saves 80 of 150 firefighter jobs that were slated to be cut.þþThe firefighters union said the remaining 70 layoffs would be put on hold until at least Jan. 4 to allow a rank-and-file ratification vote on the concessions.þþ``I think this is a winner for the citizens of Cleveland,'' said Fire Chief Kevin Gerrity.þþHe said guidelines for recalling laid-off firefighters as positions open could restore some of the jobs.þþUnion president Bob Fisher said he had mixed emotions over the deal because not all jobs were preserved. The city has 992 firefighters.þþWhile retaining some jobs, the city under the deal would save money through more schedule flexibility and through reduced uniform allowances.þþThe layoffs were part of the city's plan to close a $61 million budget gap by cutting jobs for more than 700 city workers -- including hundreds of police and firefighters.þþEarlier this month, a judge granted a request by the unions for a temporary restraining order on implementing the layoffs to allow for negotiations.þþLate Thursday, the city presented the police union with its final offer, which if approved would save a significant number of the planned 260 police layoffs, Mayor Jane Campbell said in a statement.þþThe city would provide no other information until after the offer is voted on within the next two weeks.þþA call to police union President Bob Beck seeking comment was not immediately returned.þþThe proposed police cuts represent 15 percent of the city's 1,817 officers.þþþþ
Source: NY Times
