Philly firefighters win raises in arbitration

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -July 3, 2012 (WPVI) -- An arbitration panel has awarded three years of 3 percent raises to Philadelphia's firefighters.

The decision comes after about 20 months of legal battles. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that officials estimate the award could cost the city about $66 million over the four years of the contract. The decision also denied the city the right to furlough 2,100 firefighters and medics.

A spokesman for Mayor Michael Nutter said the city is still reviewing the ruling and declined comment. Bill Gault, president of the firefighter's union urged the city not to appeal again. He says neither side got everything it wanted.

Contracts with two other municipal unions are still being negotiated.

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