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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The Providence firefighters' union is suing the city, alleging that firefighters were disciplined for taking time off for family and medical reasons even though they're allowed to do so under federal law.
Local 799 of the International Association of Firefighters filed the suit in U.S. District Court on behalf of seven firefighters.
Providence firefighters have been battling Mayor Jorge Elorza for months over his changes to the platoon system to save money. Their average work week increased from 42 hours to 56 hours.
The suit claims firefighters who took time off since the reorganization were disciplined, in violation of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act that allows them to do so for specified family and medical reasons.
An Elorza spokeswoman declined to comment to WPRI-TV, citing the ongoing litigation.
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