Firefighter Deal Averts DNC Picket Lines

[fishface]

By MATT APUZZO
Associated Press Writer

July 25, 2004, 12:52 PM EDT


BOSTON -- Boston firefighters reached a contract agreement Sunday with the city after a marathon session of negotiations, averting union picketing at delegation welcoming parties for the Democratic National Convention.

The firefighters were the last big city union left without a contract. In the days leading up to the convention on Monday, there had been concerns that union strife might interfere with the four-day event.

"We have labor peace in Boston at this hour," said Mayor Thomas Menino. "There's a climax to every story. This was the time to end this chapter."

The convention begins Monday, but delegates began descending on Boston over the weekend. Scores of welcoming parties were planned throughout the city Sunday.

http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-cvn-democratic-convention-unions,0,3949.story?coll=sns-ap-politics-headlines

[Cha]

1. I saw Mayor Menino on cspan this morning

talking about that. He gave a good summary of all the things going on in Boston to get ready for the convention. And all the reich callers were shot down superbly by him, too!

[pocket]

2. cops will still picket

or so they say. figures.

[DrBB]

3. Yeah, well, we're expecting the cops where I work

Menino's hosting the Conference of Mayors event where I work and the cops are expected to be protesting there, despite the fact that he caved on their demands earlier in the week. Barstids. Means a bunch of us have to be there to try to represent the Aquarium and maintain at atmosphere of normality....