The Social Network & Community JUST for Firefighters
Contract Dispute May Lead To NY Department Shutting Down
ANTHONY CONGI
WIVB
Reprinted with Permission
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Tempers are flaring in the Town of Boston where a bitter contract dispute is pushing volunteer firefighters to their limits.
We all know firefighters are used to the heat, but it was different kind of heat that the Boston Town Council came under Wednesday night. At a public hearing, residents became emotional, fearing they could lose their fire protection.
The battle stems from firefighters wanting to renew a three-year contract, with a raise after years two and three.
But the town is offering a one-year contract at the same rate, $150,000 for each of the three companies.
The back and forth battle between the town and the department, made one city council member, who's also a volunteer firefighter, to pick a side.
"This town board has done nothing but send out propaganda filled with lies and deception to try and blame the men and women of our volunteer services," said Town Board Member Jim Pluta.
Pluta "I, councilman James E. Pluta, hereby resign from the Town Board."
Following Councilman Pluta's resignation, the town took their turn in the public hearing.
One resident said, "You work for me. I am the town of Boston. They are, everybody in this room is the town of Boston. I am your boss."
"I want it in writing tonight that you're going to keep my ambulance and you're going to keep my fire. I want it signed tonight," said a resident.
Boston Town Supervisor Martin Ballowe said, "What I'm asking the firefighters to do is to work with the board to try and get those costs under control. To try and get those costs under control. To try and get our worker's comp costs under control, which in turn will give them the money that they are requesting."
According to firefighters, once the contract runs out at the end of the month, they cannot respond to emergencies come New Year's Day.
Thursday morning, News 4 talked with the Fire Company President who said the town council will meet with them Monday to once again try and reach a contract agreement.
Copyright WIVB.com
WIVB
Reprinted with Permission
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Tempers are flaring in the Town of Boston where a bitter contract dispute is pushing volunteer firefighters to their limits.
We all know firefighters are used to the heat, but it was different kind of heat that the Boston Town Council came under Wednesday night. At a public hearing, residents became emotional, fearing they could lose their fire protection.
The battle stems from firefighters wanting to renew a three-year contract, with a raise after years two and three.
But the town is offering a one-year contract at the same rate, $150,000 for each of the three companies.
The back and forth battle between the town and the department, made one city council member, who's also a volunteer firefighter, to pick a side.
"This town board has done nothing but send out propaganda filled with lies and deception to try and blame the men and women of our volunteer services," said Town Board Member Jim Pluta.
Pluta "I, councilman James E. Pluta, hereby resign from the Town Board."
Following Councilman Pluta's resignation, the town took their turn in the public hearing.
One resident said, "You work for me. I am the town of Boston. They are, everybody in this room is the town of Boston. I am your boss."
"I want it in writing tonight that you're going to keep my ambulance and you're going to keep my fire. I want it signed tonight," said a resident.
Boston Town Supervisor Martin Ballowe said, "What I'm asking the firefighters to do is to work with the board to try and get those costs under control. To try and get those costs under control. To try and get our worker's comp costs under control, which in turn will give them the money that they are requesting."
According to firefighters, once the contract runs out at the end of the month, they cannot respond to emergencies come New Year's Day.
Thursday morning, News 4 talked with the Fire Company President who said the town council will meet with them Monday to once again try and reach a contract agreement.
Copyright WIVB.com
Specialty Websites
Find Members Fast
Firefighting Videos
© 2025 Created by Firefighter Nation WebChief.
Powered by
Badges | Contact Firefighter Nation | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service
