Los Angeles Police officers will pass up a cost-of-living raise and shoulder increased health-care costs under a new labor deal with the city that was announced today.
The Los Angeles City Council has approved the new contract between the city and the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL), which represents more than 9,900 LAPD officers up to the rank of lieutenant. The council's vote follows ratification of the contract by the LAPPL's membership, who overwhelmingly supported the deal.
The three-year deal runs from July 1 to June 30, 2014. Officers agreed to pay the entire increased health-care premium this fiscal year. They will again forgo a cost-of-living increase, which officers haven't received since July 2008. They receive modest cost-of-living increases in the deal's final two years.
Also, the deal provides for the continuation of compensatory time off in lieu of cash payment for overtime that will save the city $300 million over the term of the contract.
"We were pleased with the membership's ratification and now the City Council's approval of our contract," said Paul M. Weber, LAPPL's president, in a statement. "We can move forward knowing our working conditions and compensation remain fair as we address the challenges our city faces.
Of the 3,598 union members who voted, 96 percent backed the agreement.
"They understood that given the city's economic situation, it is a fair deal for both parties," Weber added. "This contract recognizes the outstanding work and dedication of LAPD officers, who have driven down crime to record levels, and it reflects the shared desire of the LAPPL and city leaders for a stable labor agreement in the face of difficult times."