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Paterson pays $15,000 to settles three civilian fire inspectors’ pay discrimination claim | Paterson Times

Paterson pays $15,000 to settles three civilian fire inspectors’ pay discrimination claim

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Three civilian fire inspectors, who alleged the city was improperly paying them a lower hourly rate compared to part-time uniformed fire inspectors, were paid $15,000 to settle their claims against the city.

Civilian fire inspectors James DiMaria, Samuel Gaita, and Michael Poventud alleged the city violated New Jersey Wage Payment Act and the federal Employee Retirement Income Securities Act of 1974 by paying them lower wages, according to city records.

The three also alleged civil rights and contract violations. The three were paid out $15,000 each.

DiMaria has been working for the city since 2007 as a fire prevention specialist. His salary is $39,230, according to city records.

Gaita has been employed by the municipality since 2005, according to city records. His salary is $41,905, according to city payroll data.

Poventud, a 20-year veteran fire prevention specialist, was employed by the city in 1995. His salary is $43,463, according to city records.

Council members approved the settlement during a special deliberation session on Wednesday evening following a closed door meeting with fire chief Michael Postorino and the city’s attorneys without any public discussions.

Correction: A previous version of this article erroneously stated the city paid out $15,000 when in fact it paid out $45,000 to the three claimants.

Correction (10/3/2015): The city paid $15,000 to all three employees to settle the lawsuit, according to the law department.

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