Comments on: Wage Concession Package for 2010-2012

By: watchman55

watchman55 — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 02:09:34 +0000

I absolutely agree about the DROP and the uniform allowance monies. Police officers have a demanding and difficult job, however, I think that paying people to stay at work longer and paying for their uniforms is over the top regardless of the economic climate. Talking from experience the officers also seem to be the first and loudest to complain when they are asked to give up 3.2% when they have all these other benefits that civilians and most private sector citizens do not have especially when they received at huge increase last year. They screamed when the Department changed the take home policy. Too bad, so sad – pay to drive to work like the rest of us. As far as furlough days, I’m going to make the most of it and volunteer at a different local charity each day. Not that it is the reason to do it, but it will come back to you. Spend time with an elderly neighbor, help out at a local food bank, etc. Finally, thank you to the union for working through some tough negotiations.

By: Birdseye

Birdseye — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:44:04 +0000

I think this economy is making us all face some harsh realities. If a 1% pay cut is going to affect your ability to pay your mortgage, then it sounds like you were ALREADY on shaky ground financially. Somehow this doesn’t sound like a failure of the union, or a failure of the concession proposal. Just sayin’.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:38:19 +0000

I want to express my appreciation for the efforts of the union. I suspect that my union brothers and sisters who are most dissatisfied with the concessions are mostly those who are part of an extended police “family” (i.e. people with multiple family members employed by the City, people whose friendships are all with coworkers), and I think it’s easy for them to lose sight of what’s going on in the rest of the world. Remember: the taxpayer dollar is not our own personal security blanket. The rest of the country is suffering. Eventually it has to trickle down to us too. Our concessions are small compared to what most everyone else in the country is losing. And if you can’t tolerate the realities of having a taxpayer-funded job, then you should have stayed in the private sector!

By: Birdseye

Birdseye — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:28:36 +0000

As a resident and taxpayer in the City of Phoenix, the uniform allowances for employees who have no public contact make me FURIOUS! What a waste of money that could be used elsewhere. Uniforms are the most expensive solution to what is essentially a supervisory problem. What an embarrassment and a demonstration of poor management decision making.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:23:22 +0000

Keep in mind, it’s called a “UNION” for a reason. It’s not called “Me, me, me!” If there weren’t newer people who had come on board after you, you’d still be at the bottom of the heap, so show a little solidarity.

By: wantsomethingbetter

wantsomethingbetter — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:20:24 +0000

I don’t agree with this concession. Until you can walk a mile in my shoes then you can tell me whats right for me. I know there are many like me who are single parents who are having a hard time to make ends meet in this economy, and now we are forced to take six days (or 48 hours) off without pay. You claim it saves jobs but the bulk of jobs that are being saved come from the food tax in April. I think a lot of employees would rather give up DCP then to take 6 furlough days. I rather take the roll of the dice and let the council determine what our concession should be. Because you and I don’t really knows what they might propose. All you can do is assume and give examples. I too have been here over 15 years so I know the actives of this union. And we as the employees seem to get the short end of the stick.
As Denise said above So far, I think the concessions 2960 is requesting is garbage.

By: E Board member

E Board member — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:20:59 +0000

luvmykids,

I hope next contract we can make it up to all our members and have a good contract to make up for our losses….we will be fighting hard for that. I am sorry that we could not do more to help you and your family and I am glad that the furlough days lighten the blow…that was our hope.

By: E Board member

E Board member — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:18:39 +0000

Yoli,

Already done…yes all vacation carryover limits are removed…IF the concession package passes tomorrow

By: Yoli

Yoli — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:09:39 +0000

Are we going to add the concession that all maximum vacation carry over limits will be removed during the freeze?

By: luvmykids

luvmykids — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 21:03:28 +0000

Thanks for fighting to save our longevity and Step Increases. I do appreciate that. At least with furlough days I get some down time and can schedule them when it is best for me and my budget.

I know that we have great jobs and great pay. In this economy it may sound whiney to complain about these concessions but some of us are barely making it as it is. It’s a little hard to swallow but I am grateful for what I have.