A state arbitrator has ruled the Village of Endicott must reinstate 24 hour work shifts for the village’s fire department.
Last year, Endicott Mayor John Bertoni changed the firefighters’ schedules to 10 and 14 hour shifts to cut down on sick time and provide for more training opportunities for crews.
The Endicott fire union argued that village officials used an unusual spike in sick time to change the schedules.
Mayor John Bertoni and Fire Chief John Hrustich say they’re disappointed in the ruling.
They say the 24 hour shifts cost the village significantly more and with budget cuts, they can’t afford it.
“I’m disappointed, I’m flabbergasted, I don’t know what other adjective I can come up with in light of the fact that Endicott cannot afford this type of hourly work schedule,” Bertoni said.
Officials say the village is slated to lose at least $1.3 million in tax revenue next year.
