By Dee DeQuattro, WPRO News

The Providence Fraternal Order of Police overwhelmingly approved a pension settlement with the city of Providence on Thursday evening.

89% of active members of the Providence FOP approved the deal originally struck with Providence Mayor Angel Taveras in May.

“We have very intelligent people on the Providence Police department they understand what was at risk, what had to be done, “ Taft Manzotti, the president of the Providence Firefighters Union told the WPRO Morning News with Tara Granahan and Andrew Gobeil.

The deal is between the city and union workers, firefighters, and police officers. As part of the deal Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) are capped for 10 years and 5% and 6% compounded COLAs are eliminated permanently. As part of the deal retired city workers who are eligible are moved to the Medicare system.

“Our pension system is stronger going forward. It gives the city money. It puts some other issues at rest going forward into future contracts, so I think we are in a very good position right now,” said Manzotti.

In order for the deal to be finalized the city firefighters union also has to vote to approve it.