BOSTON
--
Boston city councilors Wednesday approved a new firefighters contract after the union president and mayor reached a tentative deal the day before.
Under the deal, firefighters will get a 2.5 percent raise on Jan. 1. They agreed to slash its arbitrator awarded bonus for drug and alcohol testing from 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent.
New hires must undergo a "wellness test" if they want the bonus. It includes regular physicals and drug testing.
"We feel that this is fair for our members and for the people of Boston," said firefighter union president Ed Kelly.
"I think the agreement we came to is agreeable to both the firefighters union and my administration," Boston Mayor Tom Menino said.
"I think Ed Kelly showed tremendous fortitude by putting a significant concession forward. He didnt have to do that. I think that opened the door for further discussions," Boston City Council President Michael Ross said.
Not all City Council members agreed with the deal.
"I said to the mayor publically and privately, 'Take drug testing off the table. Go to the state legislature and get the legislature to pass it there," Boston City Council member Chuck Turner said.
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