Catherwood LibraryILR School

In a dispute between firefighters and legislators in Montgomery County Maryland, a labor administrator ruled in favor of County Executive, Isiah Leggett, and his $4.32 billion budget plan. The outcome means that the county will not pay for firefighter cost-of-living raises. The Montgomery Country Career Firefighters Association is investigating alternative means of opposing the measure. The budget plan, developed by Leggett, also cuts 400 jobs, reduces bus transportation services, and removes cost-of-living adjustments for all county employees as part of an effort to close a $500 million funding deficit. All workers agreed to the wage freeze, except the county firefighters who wish to renegotiate their contract with alternative concessions. The decision in favor of Leggett ruled that the collective bargaining agreement is subordinate to the Executive's power under the circumstances.