Key Dates in Contract Dispute

June 30, 2001 – Contract between International Association of Firefighters, Local 799, and the City of Providence, Rhode Island expires at midnight.

April 9, 2002 – Second Contract offer is rejected by Local 799

July 25, 2002 – Rhode Island Legislature David N. Cicilline sends endorsement request to Local 799 for upcoming election for Mayor of Providence.

September 1, 2002 – Local 799 President George Farrell announces that he will not seek reelection and was going to accept job as deputy fire marshal.

September 10, 2002 – State Legislator Cicilline wins primary against four opponents, becomes the Democratic Nominee for Mayor.

November 5, 2002 – State Legislator Cicilline wins election for Mayor with 84% of the vote.

July 14, 2003 – Providence firefighters hold alleged “sickout”

July 17, 2003 – Providence files lawsuit against Local 799 seeking $500,000 in compensatory and punitive damages.

March 1, 2004 – Providence and Local 799 begin to explore possibility of entering arbitration.

September 26, 2004 – Local 799 declares intent to picket a rally for Vice-Presidential Candidate John Edwards, who is forced to cancel the rally as a result.

February 9, 2005 – 155 firefighters protest outside City Hall during Mayor Cicilline’s State of the City address.

April 29, 2005 – Picketers allegedly spat on Mayor Cicilline’s car during a fundraiser for the Mayor on Smith Hill.

June 2, 2005 – Mayor Cicilline challenges Local 799 to a month of intense negotiations.

June 16, 2005 – Hundred of firefighters from New England attend a rally in support of Providence Firefighters.

July 5, 2005 – Providence and Local 799 are said to be within hours of reaching a deal on a new contract.

July 7, 2005 – An all night negotiating session fails to deliver a new contract and both sides agreed to enter into arbitration.

November 4, 2005 – Local 799 rejects third contract offer from Providence by a vote of 186 to 179.