Update: Union declares impasse in LAPD contract negotiations - City Hall insists talks continue

Heightening tensions with Mayor Eric Garcetti, the union that represents nearly 10,000 rank and file Los Angeles police officers Friday declared an impasse in contract negotiations with the city.  

A statement released by the Los Angeles Police Protective League referred to their declaration of an impasse as a “highly unusual” move for unions, because it's a step usually taken by employers who want to impose a contract. The union also accused the city of engaging in “regressive bargaining.” 

Mayor Eric Garcetti denied that negotiations had stopped. He told reporters he is "optimistic" that the city can reach an agreement with the union. 

"I certainly don't feel that we're at impasse. I respect that people can articulate that word but I think impasse is when people actually aren't talking to each other, there's nothing new at the table. That's not the case," Garcetti said. 

Earlier, the mayor's office issued a written response to the union:

“We don’t believe that we’re at impasse,” said council President Herb Wesson. “We think that we’re making progress. Proposals have been exchanged and in our opinion it is definitely too premature to talk about impasse.” Wesson declined to talk about the specifics of the contract.

Union leaders say they've asked for an eight percent raise over three years. They say the latest offer from the city was a two percent raise over two years. In addition, the city wants officers to start paying ten percent of their healthcare premiums. They pay no part of the premium now, according to the union. A spokesman from the mayor's office would not comment on the specifics of the negotiations.

Councilman Paul Krekorian, chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, told reporters union officials should make a counter proposal rather than declare an impasse.

“Let’s be adults about this,” Krekorian said. “If there’s something about the offer that you don’t like, then present a counter offer; but don’t walk away from the table and declare an impasse and pick up your toys and go home.”​

Whether or not there is a breakdown in talks, under law, police officers are prohibited from going on strike. In July, union leaders and the city agreed to a tentative contract. But the rank and file rejected it. 

“Our officers felt the lack of a raise was a slap in the face,” said union president Tyler Izen at the time. “This is not greed. This is about knowing that even though you are one of the best at your calling, you are paid the least.”

Since then, the city and union resolved one key dispute - with an agreement to raise starting salaries and pay more to officers who were hired at a lower rate during the recession. But the issues go beyond pay, according to union leadership. 

“There's a deep-seated frustration and anger among the rank-and-file due to… a disciplinary system that is viewed as biased and unfair, and their belief that management is not receptive to their concerns,” Izen has said. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck has rejected that criticism.

At one point, officers packed city council chambers to voice their concerns.

A union spokesman said the city and Police Protective League will likely bring in a third party mediator or fact finder to help with negotiations.

This story has been updated.