Pittsburgh police officials warn of 'dire' consequences about contract (2014, crime)

[tyovan4]

Thirteen of the Pittsburgh Police Bureau's top officials in a rare move warned Mayor Bill Peduto by letter of “dire” consequences if an arbitration panel's draft contract for union police officers is permitted to stand.

The officials, none of whom belong to the police union, predicted in the strongly worded letter delivered on Thursday that officers would leave for higher-paying jobs with suburban departments unless the city increases raises and other benefits in the contract. They warned that the bureau would have to cut back on services if officers leave.

“Mr. Mayor, we implore you to show our officers the respect and appreciation they deserve and provide them with a fair contract, not the contract that was given to them on Tuesday,” they wrote. “If we tell our officers that they are only worth a 7 percent raise over the span of five years, we might as well be handing them a job application for another agency.”
...
The mayor noted that the city is under state fiscal oversight known as Act 47 and said he must comply with a 7 percent cap on salary hikes and a requirement that employees pay more for their healthcare outlined in a 2014 recovery plan crafted by Act 47 coordinators.
...
On Tuesday, a three-member panel of arbitrators issued a draft contract with raises of 1 percent for 2016 and 2 percent each year from 2017 through 2019. It also requires cops to pay up to 20 percent of their healthcare premiums and lose 7 of 10 personal days.

Pittsburgh police officials warn of 'dire' consequences about contract | TribLIVE[/quote]

It seems the police are getting the shaft - losing personal days, increasing health care premium contributions, getting a bare minimum of a raise. No political support either - no wonder many of them would go to different departments. I recall Peduto being much more supportive of the USW during their contract issues than he is being with his own police.

[erieguy]

No reason for them to stay with that contract/deal, especially when greener grass is available elsewhere.

[SteelCityRising]

"The mayor noted that the city is under state fiscal oversight known as Act 47 and said he must comply with a 7 percent cap on salary hikes and a requirement that employees pay more for their healthcare outlined in a 2014 recovery plan crafted by Act 47 coordinators."

Interesting. Sounds like the mayor's hands are tied, yet everyone is rushing to carry him to the gallows.

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by SteelCityRising

"The mayor noted that the city is under state fiscal oversight known as Act 47 and said he must comply with a 7 percent cap on salary hikes and a requirement that employees pay more for their healthcare outlined in a 2014 recovery plan crafted by Act 47 coordinators."

Interesting. Sounds like the mayor's hands are tied, yet everyone is rushing to carry him to the gallows.

We're voluntarily under Act 47 now (& have been for a few years) not mandated by the state. This isn't the first time Peduto has been accused of using the Act as a guise to claim his & the city's hands are tied by the Act when in reality it's something he is choosing to use. See even back in 2013: City Police And Firefighters Criticize Peduto Over Act 47 Financial Distress « CBS Pittsburgh

[ny789987]

The city cant afford to keep lavishing perks and added pension contributions on public employees. Too many politicians kick the can down the road and then before you know it you are Chicago or Detroit. Taxes in this part of the country are already well above the national average. Instead of writing nasty letters, they should put their money where their mouth is and move on. Don't let the door hit your rear end on the way out.

[erieguy]

Not long ago Peduto was talking of trying to pay every city employee with pay lower than $15 a raise to $15.

I expect they will leave, however, 13 sounds like a big number. Not sure it would work out well with 13 less police in da 'burgh.

The proper thing to do is give an option and notice before you leave a job. That's what they're doing.

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by ny789987

The city cant afford to keep lavishing perks and added pension contributions on public employees. Too many politicians kick the can down the road and then before you know it you are Chicago or Detroit. Taxes in this part of the country are already well above the national average. Instead of writing nasty letters, they should put their money where their mouth is and move on. Don't let the door hit your rear end on the way out.

Though when looking at the hierarchy of city employees police should be at the top of the pay totem pole for their profession given the much higher incidence of crime & criminals they have to deal with compared to many of their higher paid non-city peers. (Same with Fire)
Basically the city is paying its police less for more work which is not a recipe for attracting high quality candidates.

[tyovan4]

Originally Posted by erieguy

Not long ago Peduto was talking of trying to pay every city employee with pay lower than $15 a raise to $15.

Indeed, thanks for pointing out that tidbit. He seems to use Act 47 as a shield when it suits him and toss it aside when it impedes him.

[erieguy]

Originally Posted by tyovan4

Indeed, thanks for pointing out that tidbit. He seems to use Act 47 as a shield when it suits him and toss it aside when it impedes him.

But he put in bike lanes as soon as he took office...so he can use a look over here while we do this over here scenario and sell less for more.

[Boomchee]

The suburbs are going to reap the benefits in the long run. You will have young recruits getting vast experience dealing with crimes in an urban environment. Then when it's time for the promotion/family portion of their lives to start they can walk into a higher paying, safer job with support from the community. Pedutohead can't be this stupid but, then again we're talking Pgh politics.