In a self-declared “highly unusual” move, the union representing the LAPD’s rank-and-file has declared an impasse in salary negotiations with the city. The Los Angeles Police Protective League charges the city with a “lack of good faith bargaining” in trying to hammer out a contract that expired in June.
In July, the union rejected a proposed one-year contract that would have raised officers’ starting pay from $49,000 to $57,000 and restored overtime pay, because the contract didn’t include pay raises. Officers complain that their salaries do not compare with those of law enforcement in neighboring cities and they allege that that has led to an officer drain to other municipalities and agencies. They’re also frustrated with a disciplinary process that they say is unfair. Usually it’s the employer, not the union, that calls and impasse. Police officers are prohibited from going on strike, but in 1994, when the union was at an impasse with the city over salary pay, officers called in sick in a three-day planned union protest they called the "blue flu." We talk about next steps and what the implications might be for the city and Mayor Garcetti.
Guest:
Tyler Izen, President of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, the union representing LAPD officers