Sergeants Benevolent Association of the NYPD
Dear Fellow Sergeant,
It has become glaringly apparent that we can no longer move forward without a mediator to correct the pay disparity between more than 1,200 Sergeants and Police Officers. As a result, we have been forced to file a Declaration of Impasse with the Office of Labor Relations (OLR).
We have submitted logical and economically prudent strategies to correct the compression issue, but OLR is steadfast in relying on draconian outdated ideologies when it comes to negotiations. It is obvious they have little respect for the rank of Sergeant, as well as little knowledge of financial accountability.
While smaller municipalities around the country prioritize the work of law enforcement in their communities, OLR does not seem to place any value on the negative impact of a disheartened public safety workforce. As a result, it is time for an outside entity to step in and do the job OLR is incapable of doing themselves.
OLR insists on us accepting a bad contract that includes givebacks to the City. No other union has been asked to do the same to finalize their deals. What makes this particularly galling and insulting is the fact that the compression issue is a problem of their own making.
The SBA Board has requested numerous times to rectify this problem once and for all. We understand the current political climate is teetering, but the City taxpayers, who are the most important stakeholders in this issue, deserve better than what they are getting. They deserve a hefty dividend when they invest in frontline police supervision.
We have made it clear that we are open to honest, good faith negotiation, and will never close the door to that possibility. We have rung the bell over and over. It is time for adults to answer the door and do the job they were hired to do . If not, we will need a New York State appointed mediator to step in so this egregious situation can be corrected. As the hardest working frontline supervisors in the world, we deserve nothing less. Thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.
Fraternally,
Vincent J. Vallelong
President
Sergeants Benevolent Association