OCEAN CITY – For the first time since the police department unionized, the Ocean City lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police’s membership has voted to go to arbitration with the Town of Ocean City as the two parties have come to a standoff during negotiations.
“As of right now, we have kind of reached an impasse. We are still working towards coming up with a resolution without arbitration. However, we have notified the city of our intent to go to arbitration,” Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 10 President Shawn Jones said.
In the spirit of wanting to come to a resolution, Jones did not want to go into detail of the dispute but he did indicate it is in regards to pay and benefits.
“Unfortunately, we are so far apart from where our membership feels we need to be. In 2008, we conceded our Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) and we haven’t had a Cost Of Living Adjustment since 2008, so we are going on seven years without that type of adjustment,” Jones said. “We negotiated for four and half days and just weren’t able to come close to an agreement.”
The FOP’s legal counsel has contacted City Solicitor Guy Ayres letting him know the FOP membership has voted to go to arbitration if the city is not willing to reconsider.
“We are disappointed in the city’s position on things. As of right now, we are filing for arbitration but if we are able to get back to the table and work out a deal we would be interested in doing so,” Jones said. “As of right now, the ball is in their court.”
More
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
11 comments:
First its Wicomico getting screwed over now it's us in Ocean City! No room for unions on the shore!
Bastards failed to mention their pay increases they have received. COLA on top, its all about them.
Most employees would get nothing if it wasn't for union representatives like those that represent the fop organizations and other local reps. The money either goes to support those who are out there (bus drivers, public works, police etc) or it stays in the pockets of those who "make the decisions" and sit behind their desks and play on the internet all day.
Finally OC council isn't rolling over for the FOP.
Amen!
Municipalities must begin to CUT these rogue agencies budgets.
They are overpaid, over compensated with benefits/retirement.
641, "Those who play on the internet all day", you mean the Union bosses? That's the problem, Doofus!
"Those who play on the internet all day" You mean the normal private sector employee's normal work day?
Hey 927 no I mean small minded dumb a$$es like yourself! You must work at city hall or be a close friend, Doofus!
Back to the point, the council is finally looking out for the citizens. The FOP are spoiled, greedy kids that expect the world. Term renta cop comes to mind.
http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-letter-to-editor-ocean-city.html
Click the link and then tell me if they are underpaid.
Post a Comment