Boca Raton police and fire unions push for negotiations on pension plans

BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Firefighters' Union in Boca Raton is eager to negotiate pension plans with the city, but the city isn't having it.

City Council members decided to have an outside agency look at what concessions could be made to police and fire pensions to save money.

That move would delay negotiations for months, and could cost upwards of $40,000.

Union leaders say there are political motives to pushing negotiations down the road.

"It appears as if our elected officials have chosen to use this issue for political gain, pushing it to the MArch 2014 election rather than working together in a cooperative spirit," says John Luca, Firefighters of Boca Raton Local 1560.

Luca claims both unions are willing to consider concessions now that could save the city $5 million.

Mayor Susan Whelchel says more time is needed to research what could benefit the city and the unions.