A state Supreme Court judge has ruled against issuing a preliminary injunction that would block the city from a new policy that prohibits firefighters from being called in to work when their colleagues call in sick.
In a decision issued Wednesday, Judge James P. McClusky ruled the city can keep intact, at least for now, a new policy that does not allow firefighters to be brought into work when others call in sick.
Judge McClusky heard oral arguments from attorneys representing both sides last week. The case is expected to eventually be decided by an arbitrator.
Daniel Daugherty, president of the Watertown Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 191, said Judge McClusky’s decision is the first win for the city involving a three-year contract dispute with the bargaining unit.