City police union overwhelmingly rejects contract
The Baltimore police union voted overwhelmingly Thursday to reject a one-year contract that would have reduced wages by nearly 2 percent in exchange for five additional vacation days.
Ninety-five percent of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police voted against the proposal, angered by pay cuts coming on the heels of an overhaul of the public safety pension system implemented by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, union president Robert F. Cherry said.
"It's not just a rejection of the city's best offer," said Cherry. "It's a rejection of the mayor and her inability to respect what these men and women do for the city every day and every night."
In an emailed statement, a spokesman for Rawlings-Blake said she was "disappointed but confident we can come to an agreement."
The mayor "is grateful that city employees understand that this economy has affected everyone," said spokesman Ryan O'Doherty. "The men and women of Baltimore Police Department have made tough sacrifices and continue to do their jobs even during tough times."
Comments
Risking upsetting a lot of police officers I think a 2% pay cut is reasonable for 2 more days off. Police officers make in excess of $50000 including tons of overtime. Very few people in today's economy make even close to that. This is not to ignore the risk they take everyday on the job, the same life risking that sewage plant employees take everyday at Back River and Patapsco, Firefighters, traffic light changers, street sweepers and garbage men. Those other professions dont get to hide out at 7-11 and drink free coffee, or sleep in the parks while their partners are on lookout. 2% guys, you are already stealing that much in downtime, spend it in your own homes on your own time. Help to save your city and ultimately your own jobs.
Posted by: Jim | November 12, 2010 1:23 PM