#LA: The saga continues for #LAPD officer contract negotiations between their union, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) and the city. Several hundred officers came to the Tuesday, July 29 Council meeting to voice their concerns. As I’ve said before, individuals who serve in law enforcement have one of the most challenging and dangerous careers. They put their lives on the line every day and the service they provide is invaluable. However, it’s unfortunate that the city’s budget structural deficit and pension obligations just cannot feasibly allow salary increases for anyone. Of the officers that testified Tuesday, a reoccurring statement was that there are 14 other cities that pay their police officers more than Los Angeles and that if a favorable contract is not reached, officers will go to these municipalities of milk and honey in droves. Now, I don’t know that that’s an empty threat - I’d at least like to know which cities these are and if they truly offer a more competitive package. Also, 70% of the city budget already goes to police and fire. We can barely take care of sidewalks, trees, trash, etc. as it is. If LAPPL members get a raise, what’s to stop the other 40 unions in negotiations from putting their hands out? What about the pensions employees are depending on for retirement that we can’t afford right now? Hmm… there was a city who went bankrupt thanks to borrowing for employee pensions it couldn’t pay. The city is simply not making enough money now. I hope an agreement can be reached that is amicable to the LAPD, the LAPPL and fiscally responsible for the city. ktla/2014/07/29/lapd-officers-gather-to-voice-concerns-over-latest-contract-offer/
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 00:30:02 +0000
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