Paterson Settles Equal Pay Dispute

Posted by: Curt Varone August 11, 2015 0

The City of Paterson, New Jersey has settled the claims of three civilian fire inspectors who alleged the fact their compensation was less that uniformed fire inspectors violated state and federal law.

James DiMaria, Samuel Gaita, and Michael Poventud accused the city of violating the New Jersey Wage Payment Act and the federal Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974. The city reportedly was paying DiMaria, Gaita and Poventud an hourly rate that was less than uniformed fire personnel assigned to the fire inspection duties.

Each inspector will received a $15,000 settlement. The Paterson City Council approved the $45,000 settlement last Wednesday.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 40 years of fire service experience and 30 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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