East Pierce Fire and Rescue commissioners met today, Dec. 23, to discuss a new memorandum of understanding put together by the departments union, Local 3520.

The commissioners voted unanimously to accept the union and fire district’s agreement.

This was after the commissioners voted down a similar agreement earlier last week and agreed to lay off six firefighters and one receptionist.

Included in the package was a six-month suspension of all special operations programs, a deferred cost of living increase until December 2015, and no layoffs for any represented personnel.

The commissioners also voted to cancel the special meeting on Dec. 31.

Local 3520 will meet later this month and vote on the agreement, and results will be available on the agreement by early January.

The Courier Herald will publish an article on the new proceedings and agreement in the Dec. 31 issue.