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Philadelphia Firefighters Union And Mayor's Office Sparring Over Contract

By Jericka Duncan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- There's a fire Philadelphia firefighters can't seem to put out between the union and the Mayor's office.

"Honor this and stop this right now," said Local 22 Union President Bill Gault.

He's referring to an order by a common pleas court judge. It denies the city's appeal of an arbitration award that would give the city's more than 2,100 firefighters and medics 3% raises for three years.

"It's not over until the city is over, and they still have 30 days to appeal," said Gault.

Earlier, the mayor's press secretary said the mayor isn't happy with the judge's decision and wants to see the judge's opinion before commenting.

"I believe we have to honor this," commented (D) Councilman-at-Large William Greenlee.

Councilman Greenlee says he's not sure what this will cost the city and says that at some point, officials will have to sit down and discuss a plan of action.

Back in August, the city's Director of Finance said that if city has to honor the firefighter's contract at a cost of $200 million over five years, it would mean cuts to programs and jobs.

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