Police Union Offers To Give Up Or Defer Raises

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Just another thing I love about this city....kudos to APD!

Austin police offer to give up or defer raises

Move comes amid budget cuts facing city, could save $5 million needed for cadet class.

By Tony Plohetski

AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Austin police officers have agreed to consider forfeiting or deferring their already-promised pay raises next year, a move that could save the city about $5 million amid widespread budget cuts.

Police union officials sent City Manager Marc Ott an e-mail Wednesday evening saying that they were willing to "explore possible short-term solutions to the overall budget shortfall," including amending certain provisions in their employment contract with the city.

The e-mail did not cite specifics, but Sgt. Wayne Vincent, president of the Austin Police Association, said the provisions most likely will concern pay — specifically a 2.75 percent raise officers are set to receive in 2010.

"We are voluntarily stepping forward," Vincent said. "We are willing to sit down at the table and be part of the solution. It is the right thing to do."

He said union officials hope their effort will help preserve a police cadet class that is among a list of possible police cuts next year.

FULL STORY: http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news...11/0611apd.html