The city of Easton has been given the green-light to hire part-time firefighters. It's an issue that's caused some friction in the past.
The part-time hires come as part of a new contract agreement. The firefighters' union had previously opposed the city hiring part-timers because of training concerns.
Part-time firefighters may soon be filling unexpected vacancies in Easton's fire department.
The binding arbitration agreement comes after city firefighters worked for nearly two years under an expired contract.
Under the new agreement, the city will also have 30 days to issue back pay to firefighters, which amounts to a little less than $500,000.
"Part-timers is a way to make sure we have our full complement," Easton mayor Sal Panto said.