Layoffs loom in conflict with police union

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.modbee.com/local/story/743600.html

City, police have little time left for agreement
By Adam Ashton
[e-mail]

Deadlocked negotiations between Modesto City Hall and the Modesto Police Officers Association could result in as many as 14 law enforcement layoffs if the two sides can't reach a deal by June 30.

Both have talked tough for weeks, publicly painting themselves into positions that appear to leave little room for compromise.

The union portrays the City Council as unconcerned with public safety; elected leaders call the bargaining unit unreasonable for insisting on raises in the midst of a historic recession.


Modesto Bee - Modesto Police Officers Association members and some family members march out of Tenth St. Place after attending the city council meeting, June 9, 2009. (DEBBIE NODA / [e-mail])


Without those raises, the union wouldn't face a layoff threat this month.

"The police want to pad their pockets, so they'll lose nine officers," Mayor Jim Ridenour said.

The schism is set to come to a head Tuesday when the City Council considers a union proposal to prevent layoffs and $4.8 million in new budget cuts Ridenour drafted with City Manager Greg Nyhoff.

FULL story at link.