On Tuesday, a New York State Supreme Court judge ruled to block arbitration over a clause in Watertown Fire Fighters’ employment contracts that requires a minimum of 15 firefighters on duty at all times. The issue led to a three and a half year impasse in contract negotiations between the city and the Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 191. The judge cited precedent that gives elected officials the authority to control city budgets through cost management, including salaries and wages paid to public employees.
See "NY Judge Rules Against FFs over 'Minimum Manning'", Craig Fox, Watertown Daily Times, January 31, 2018