The Morning Report
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The San Diego Police Department has been locked in labor negotiations with the city since mid-January. For the last two years, the city and the police department have reached an impasse on contract negotiations, allowing the city to impose a contract upon the union. Members say the impasses have contributed to high levels of attrition as officers leave the SDPD for other departments.
There are essentially two days of negotiations left before the police union presents the results of the talks to their membership.
Jeff Jordon, a western division patrol officer who sits on the police union’s board, said he’s cautiously optimistic about how the negotiations stand as of today. However, he said there are still challenges ahead and that there is “absolutely” a chance that the talks could again end in an impasse.
“Although there’s willingness by both parties to make an agreement, there are still very significant hurdles ahead,” he said.
Fred Sainz, spokesman for Mayor Jerry Sanders, said the mayor met with union representatives again this morning.
“We’re very positive about our negotiating posture,” Sainz said. “The discussions have been very productive.”
“We’re prepared to come to an agreement with them,” he added.
If a deal has not been reached by April 9, the city still has the option of coming up with a new deal after that. However, the union presents to its members on April 10 in a session that Jordon said is often an emotional meeting.