Police committee reapproves two union employee contracts

It was deja vu at the Metropolitan Police Committee on Fiscal Affairs meeting Monday as the panel approved two union employee contracts -- again.

The committee had approved the new contracts for rank-and-file officers and civilian workers May 24 before discovering the vote violated a new state law requiring public hearings before votes on union contracts.

So the committee, which includes two Clark County commissioners and two Las Vegas City Council members, held a special session to reapprove the contracts at a public hearing.

No one from the public spoke.

The contract for the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, which represents 3,222 officers, included cuts to vacation sell-back, clothing allowances and health care contributions to save $5.2 million over the next year.

During a union vote on the contract, 94 percent of voting members approved it.

The Las Vegas Police Protective Association, Civilian Employees union, which represents about 1,600 workers, gave up merit and cost-of-living raises and other benefits for a total savings of $8.6 million next fiscal year.

Just 69 percent of voting union members approved the contract.

The Fiscal Affairs Committee approved both contracts by 5-0 votes.

County Commissioner Steve Sisolak praised the openness of the process.

“In the spirit of transparency, I think Metro has gone further than anyone else,” he said.

The Police Department remains locked in negotiations with the Police Managers and Supervisors Association, which represents the agency’s 450 sergeants, lieutenants and captains.

Lt. Paul C. Page, the union’s chairman, said he was fighting to get the same benefits rank-and-file officers received.

“We think that it’s unfair that you can promote and lose benefits,” he said.