Miami - Negotiations Blow Up Over Length

 Armando Aguilar. Miami, Florida FOP President

Miami, police union agreement collapses over contract length - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com: "An intense week of contract negotiations between Miami and its police union collapsed Monday, threatening forced cuts by commissioners only one day before the city’s final budget hearing as administrators try to fill a $62 million deficit.

Two weeks ago the city came to terms with its three other unions, agreeing to one-year contracts that, coupled with citywide cost reductions and savings from not filling positions, would cut $50 million from the budget. That left Miami seeking $12 million in concessions from the police union.

Intense daily negotiations last week had both sides agreeing on a combination of pay reductions, overtime concessions, unpaid holidays, not purchasing new cars or uniforms, and healthcare reform."

“We were this close to finishing,” said Fraternal Order of Police President Armando Aguilar, his thumb and forefinger an inch apart. “It’s obvious they want to screw us every year.”

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/09/26/2426416/miami-police-union-agreement-collapses.html#ixzz1Z6cpRLOe