UFA Pact's First Hurdle Is Cleared

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

Battalion Delegates for the Uniformed Firefighters' Association March 13 voted 33 to 17 in favor of the tentative contract the union has negotiated with the city.

As this paper went to press March 19, UFA President Stephen J. Cassidy was preparing for a general delegates meeting the following day to explain and discuss the terms of the tentative deal, which among other things would raise starting pay for new hires by nearly $10,000 in exchange for cuts in their paid holidays, annuity benefits and night differentials, provide compounded wage hikes of 8.16 percent over two years, and give approximately 440 firefighters in HazMat units a 12-percent "specialty pay" increase. It would also raise longevity differentials by $1,000 and end the requirement that Firefighters get FDNY approval before taking second jobs.

April 19 Vote

Delegates have until April 19 to weigh the tentative terms, and then a vote will be taken. If the contract is approved, the American Arbitration Association will mail ballots to all members' residences April 30, according to a UFA spokesman.

Returned ballots will be counted May 10 at AAA headquarters. If the deal is accepted by the rank and file, the spokesman said, the city is expected to announce the dates that retroactive pay checks will be issued on or around May 21.