Council President Lou Mandarini speaks at a rally in support of Local 718 on June 2.

 The protracted battle between Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the City of Boston reached a conclusion on Wednesday, June 9, when the Boston City Council approved funding for the Firefighters' contract.  The city and the union came to an agreement in the late evening on the previous day which included amendments to the arbitration award that had been issued in early May.  

"On behalf of Boston Firefighters Local 718, I would like to extend our appreciation to the officers and affiliated unions of the Greater Boston Labor Council.  The strong support of the Boston labor movement was instrumental in allowing us to reach an agreement with the city. Labor solidarity is alive and well in Boston," said Ed Kelly, President of Boston Firefighters Local 718, "we will be forever grateful."