Firefighters Will March to City Hall

Firefighters gathered for a national convention in Philadelphia plan to march on City Hall in support of the local union's contract dispute with the city.

The march is planned for 1:00 p.m. Thursday.
 
The International Association of Firefighters is in the city this week for its annual convention, with more than 3,000 in attendance. Organizers expect many to take part in Thursday's march from the Pennsylvania Convention Center to City Hall.
 
They are demanding that Mayor Michael Nutter sign the firefighters' arbitration award.
 
Earlier this month, an arbitration panel awarded the firefighters three years of 3 percent raises. That came after about 20 months of legal battles. Nutter has until next week to appeal or accept the terms.
 
Nutter's spokesman says the mayor is a strong supporter of firefighters and that they have every right to assemble.

Traffic note: If you are traveling in the area, you should avoid North Broad around the Convention Center, and the area around City Hall.