Pennsylvania’s pension time bomb is ticking; will Legislature act? Editorial

by rondelord | Oct 9, 2014 | Fire, Labor, Pensions, Police, Politics, Public Employees (Non-Sworn), Unions

Pennsylvania legislators have known for some time that the state is $40 to $50 billion (that’s “billion” with a “b”) short of the money needed to cover future pension payments to state employees and teachers. There has been no shortage of...

Agreement between San Bernardino and police union breaks down

by rondelord | Oct 9, 2014 | Collective Bargaining, Labor, Pensions, Police, Politics, Unions

SAN BERNARDINO >> A tentative agreement between the city and the police union that both sides trumpeted months ago has broken down, according to union president Steve Turner. “This contract would have brought much-needed stability to the San Bernardino Police...

Binding arbitration gives police minimal raises

by rondelord | Sep 21, 2014 | Collective Bargaining, Health Insurance, Labor, Pensions, Police, Politics, Unions

NEWARK – City police must accept minimal raises they rejected earlier this summer, by order of conciliator Jerry B. Sellman, of Columbus. In a report on binding arbitration handed down last week but released to The Advocate on Monday, Sellman awarded Newark police no...

Former San Jose Police Chiefs Say Pension Reforms Have Created A Public Safety Crisis

by rondelord | Sep 21, 2014 | Collective Bargaining, Labor, Pensions, Police, Politics, Unions

SAN JOSE (KCBS) — Four former San Jose police chiefs announced their support for Santa Clara County Supervisor Dave Cortese in the mayor’s race on Thursday citing crime and police staffing as the two of the main issues. Mayor Chuck Reed, however, is endorsing...

City-Union Talks at Impasse

by rondelord | Sep 21, 2014 | Collective Bargaining, Labor, Pensions, Police, Politics, Unions

News flash: Talks at standstill Not surprisingly, Boca Raton has been unable to reach agreement with the police and fire unions on new contracts. According to Assistant City Manager Mike Woika, an impasse has been declared. In an email Wednesday, Woika said there was...

Suburban police face retirements due to pension change

by rondelord | Sep 6, 2014 | Collective Bargaining, Labor, Pensions, Police, Politics, Unions

MINNESOTA – Suburban police departments are welcoming more new officers and leaders this summer after a pension change sparked a wave of retirements. Across Minnesota, the pension change that took effect this spring has spurred more retirements, with nearly one...