New Haven Independent

Posted by: streever | September 25, 2009 7:40 AM

Good work--this is definitely an improvement!

Posted by: labor | September 25, 2009 11:26 AM

louie cavalier..
you call this a fair contract.....
your 7 member exec. board makes the decisions....not the rank and file ....
yes they voted you guys in to represent all not one who decided to stay longer...your members should look into getting a new union and new officers to represent allrank and file....UE union was in new haven last week for a convention this union the people run the union all have a say...louie time for you and your board and the mayor to move on..

Posted by: HMMMMMMM | September 25, 2009 11:54 AM

"Older cops would gain from a bump in the retirement age from 65 to 67; that benefits one executive union member, Frank Lombardi, who’s 64 and doesn’t want to retire, Cavaliere said."

So a benefit for one member of the e-board??? How many people benefit from that??? ONE!!!! What did the Union Body give up for that??

Posted by: LaborLady | September 25, 2009 2:20 PM

The age of retirement when I came on the job was 70 years old...so what if they raise the age. Frank just turned 60 yesterday (Happy Birthday) and it didn't take anything away from the contract. And labor...you sound like one of the people who complain the most, but do the least about it. Union meetings barely meet a quorom except when it comes to contract time. Quorom is 16 people out of over 400 members. More people should WANT to get involved and educated. Also, if you look around at election time, you'd realize that the biggest complainers never make a bid to get elected. They want to be the ones sitting back, having the union represent them, then complain when things don't go their way. Have the nerve to get involved. Even if you don't get elected, I'll respect you for making the effort!

Posted by: concern | September 25, 2009 3:40 PM

I feel that this contract is not a very good one for any member in the Dept. only for those that are with 25-40 yrs of service they will benefit we should really think about this vote on Wed. What about the younger officers who are now giving something different not right think men and women

Posted by: kamb | September 25, 2009 6:15 PM

The NHPD prension and retirement contract is HEAD and SHOULDERS above other Connecticut Police Department contracts, even better than in Mass, or RI!

If the NHPD goes to arbitration your pension will take a huge hit! Don't bite your nose to spite your face.

Posted by: Metaphorios | September 25, 2009 7:13 PM

That plate of pasta reminds me of the scene in the Godfather where Robert DeNiro shoots the cop in the head in the italian restaurant. So the cops union is now just blood spatter, but remember what DeNiro went on to do in Godfather Two.

Posted by: young vs. old | September 26, 2009 5:04 PM

We did vote 7 people onto the executive board...Only 6 were invited to the negotiations..hmmm NHPD local 530 "all for few and few for all" thanks guys

Posted by: young vs old | September 26, 2009 5:14 PM

and one more question. did the mayor at least pick up the dinner check or did the local 530 pay for that too?

Posted by: Be Fair to All | September 26, 2009 5:25 PM

Shame on you Sgt Cavaliere. The dangers on the street faced by the younger police officers are just as real as the dangers faced by the older officers. And their interests should be just as important as yours. You were elected to represent everyone. After your comments here, hopefully it will be your position on the board that will need to be filled.

Posted by: understand the facts | September 26, 2009 7:23 PM

To Melissa Bailey

please take a moment and get your facts straight before writing a report. Ask others willing to speak rather than just the union board. For a lot of us, this contract has nothing to do with 15 years or 20 years, what it does have to do with a word the union throws around liberaly. "grandfathered in". a statement they used to make members believe that their pensions are not at risk, just the new hiree's. In truth the pension is voted on each and every contract, eventually the new hires with a 401K will be the majority and will be able to vote our version of the "hybrid" contract out and consolidate the pension into the same version they have. What the union dosent want to say is by the time this can occur, anyone with more than 15 years already will not be affected by this because they will be able to retire. The so called "young" officers will still be working and eventually will be the minority, and have their pensions at risk. Unfortunately, the e-board is not concerned with a two tier pension because they will be well gone by the time this union split could affect them. Anyone reading this should understand by allowing the city to have a 401k for all new Police hires they are setting precedent for all other union workers. Guess what firefighters and teachers your next...

Posted by: Donuts | September 27, 2009 8:35 AM

A good red sauce can make any deal seem more palatable.

Posted by: John | September 27, 2009 12:07 PM

This contract is horrible and the Union should for once draw a line in the sand and fight. To Laborlady who cares that Union meetings dont make Quorom, I work Christmas, my birthday and my kids birthday plus over 70hrs a week excuse me if I cant make a Union meeting, what does that mean i dont care or im not educated give me a break. The Union has been living off the getting the BEST pension in the State some 20 years ago and now they are giving it back, so what have they done not much. They allowed the FD to get a contract far surpeior to ours and we will probably be the only municiplaity in the counrty where the FD makes more then the PD. The Union uses scare tactics to not fight, oh you don't want to go to arbitration, yeah well maybe in this economy they are correct but they were signing this tune when the economy was good. The members of the PD should remeber this and realize its time for a change, NEXT Union elections remeber the union fights for disgraced officers but when your the poor guy who comes to work and does his job you are forgotten and they dont fight for you. The contarct will probably pass but the Union should heed the warning signs your members are not happy. And grandfathering in the motorcycle unit is just one reason the only thing you have on this job is senority means something and now they are giving that a way also..

Posted by: labor | September 27, 2009 12:22 PM

yes ..time for change...and i don't meab obama

Posted by: wojo | September 27, 2009 5:00 PM

I think that the cops have to realy search their goals and where they want to be in the future, as far as contracts and retirement. Make the choice based on your ideals and goals, not on what you were told. Read the contract, and vote accordingly.

Posted by: Man of Honor | September 28, 2009 8:33 PM

This contract will significatly impact police productivity. I have already spoken with sevral veteran and new police officers who have pledge that they will only concern themselves with "calls for service."

"Where's a Cop when you need one!" Officers will be less likely to take extra risk knowing that the City, their Union and Alderpersons are not taking the interest of their families to heart while they are out in the streets serving up their lives to keep strangers safe.

In the last 2 years, New Haven Officers have attened three police funerals of officers who had less than 20 years on the job. Yes, they were all killed in the "line of duty" and left behind wives with young children. But, no one remembers that, but the officers and the families. "The most dangerous job in New Haven," so lets pay them scraps. It's a slap in the face to officers who died on extra duty jobs trying to make money to feed their families.

This contract proposal in a discrace to every officers who bares a badge. And shame on those who have played a slick hand in crafting this "document of doom."

God rest the soul of the officers have given New Haven the ultimate sacrafice.

Maybe the next time the Union, City Hall, and the Board of Alderman decide on a special place to negotiate the police contract, they should do it in the lobby of One Union. Set up a table right near all of the pictures of the "Fallen Officers in the line of duty." Then have the wives and the children of those officers give them feed back on rather the contract is fair or just a deeper grave waiting to be filled.........

Posted by: citysavior | September 28, 2009 9:24 PM

There seems to be a lot of in fighting with in the police union members. Divide and conquer .that what management has done here right. If you don't like your board vote them out don't vote what seems to be fair contract down and have an arbitrator open up your contract. Many have taken a chance with this process and lost. god bless the men and women who protect this city day and night 24/7

Posted by: Laborlady | September 29, 2009 9:01 AM

John...you mean to tell me you can't EVER make a union meeting? One night a month for 1-2 hours? I find that incredibly hard to believe. Is that everyone's excuse? Let's say 100 are working (regular, OT or extra)That still leaves a lot of people to fill a quorom. The union allowed the FD to get a better contract than the PD? Oh, okay. Grow up and realize that they settled in a different financial climate...plus the mayor wanted to settle with them for other reasons. Draw the line in the sand? Were you there on the numerous occasions to see how hard Lou fought for the PD? Were you there to hear Larry Rusconi give the city's numbers? Do you even know what ability to pay is? Again, all the talkers but no one will do anything to get involved or run for office. Lou and Frank are the voices of MANY years of experience. Lou has been with the union e board for 32 years and president for 28 (Probably longer than Understand the Facts has even been alive). He is often consulted from departments around the country due to his expertise, intelligence and his desire to help people. These are not scare tactics...just reality. And the union has to represent every union member...like it or not. Did you ever hear of Duty of Fair Representation? When did the union not fight for you? Honestly..you spew a lot of rhetoric but don't back it up with any facts. DFR also applies with future negotiations and, in the case of Understand the Facts complaining at the union meeting, he was also explained how DFR works. I guess he feels his 2 years on the job makes him better versed than the experienced e board or better yet, the union attorney. Some members are upset about increasing the 15 to 20 year requirement, unlike what Understand states. This is someone too young for it to affect so he is concerned about his pension. He's got another 6 or so contracts to worry about the pension and being in the "minority". Again, if they are "sold out" then, DFR will apply. New Haven is in the bottom 3 cities as far as ability to pay...I wonder what other surrounding departments have to say about New Haven's contract compared to cities in better financial situations. John, you should be thankful that this job hasn't laid anyone off and AFFORDS you the opportunity to even work an extra 30 hours a week. Look at private sector employees benefits, salaries etc. This contract isn't great, but in spite of the economy, it could be very bad. Many of these comments are emotion-based...when the arbitrators vote, they do so without emotion. Vote how you see fit, but don't bite off your nose to spite your face. There won't be any turning back come Thursday! Two last words...spell check!

Posted by: citizen | September 29, 2009 10:49 AM

How sad that you are making this situation young vs. old and yes there should be a change of the union next year. And all of the above who are bashing run for office have your voice be heard and change the rules and why is there one member of the e board who did not have his voice heard wonder why hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Posted by: An Outsiders View | September 29, 2009 6:57 PM

As an outsider, I see the points that people are making. Some are valid...while some are absolutely absurd. There is no reasons that this contract should be splitting the union into "young vs. old." For all of you that don't understand the meaning of union... I'll leave you the definition:

"a number of persons, states, etc., joined or associated together for some common purpose"

Clearly...the local 530 is not working towards a common purpose. Laborlady...you should be ashamed of yourself. You need to respect all members, regardless of what their beliefs are. It is not your job to pass judgement and make things personal. It would have been wise of you to listen and actually hear what the younger officers have to say. Just because they may not have all the "time on the job" that you do... does NOT make them ignorant. A lot of these members have college educations and are extremely intelligent people...both intellectually and out on the street. Only you don't take the time to listen to what people actually want. The local 530 is not working for all members of the union and they have failed each and every member. They have only looked out for their own wants and needs and forget they are working towards something that will appeal to the entire union.

Opening up a 401k is probably the worst idea the union could have ever agreed to...and understand the facts is correct - eventually the young officers will get voted out and they will not have 20 years to put money into that 401k. A split pension is an ignorant choice that the union board only agreed to because it clearly will not affect them. Poor choices eboard... you have upset a large number of your officers. You claim they voted you in... but what you don't understand is they voted you in because they thought you had the knowledge, the drive, and backbone to fight for what is best for the union as a whole. Your predecessors fought for everything you have...and you are failing the officer's who will follow in your footsteps. You need to remember that these young officer's are the future of this City. By splitting your union in this "young vs. old" mindset, you are only showing the management that you can't even get along. You have weakened a union that can in theory be extremely strong. Good Job 530!

Posted by: Laborlady | September 30, 2009 9:53 AM

An outsiders view....doesn't sound like you are and outsider (sounds like you're and insider). The city wanted to give the entire membership the 401K and if this contract goes to arbitration, it is likely that everyone will get it. The "new guys" have the same pension as the "old guys". The 401K affects NEW EMPLOYEES. YOU don't sound like you know what you're talking about as many surrounding towns have a two or three tier system. Didn't say the new cops weren't intelligent, just that they should EDUCATE themselves on union business, contract proposals, the economy etc. And it was explained that anything can happen in future contracts, but any eboard has the responsibility to represent everyone (current members) fairly. If they fail to do this in the future it will be against Duty of Fair Representation. That was explained last week. These young officers should absolutely get involved in the union, perhaps running themselves if they think they can do a better job (without having a clue as to "our side" and the "city's side" of negotiations). So thanks for trying to put words in my mouth!

Posted by: labor | September 30, 2009 10:52 AM

UNITED WE STAND.....IS A UNION SAYING...
PEOPLE NEED TO UNITE...AND STOP LETTING YOUR OFFICERS BULL.... YOU...

Posted by: DUH | September 30, 2009 1:22 PM

Yes, let's all unite, vote the contract down, and all cry in our beers together over what we'll get in arbitration!

Posted by: saywhat | September 30, 2009 3:37 PM

Young Vs. Old, what are you talking about? Please fill us in

Posted by: Louis | September 30, 2009 4:04 PM

LABORLADY: "John" is not who you think it is. It is not the person from the union meeting. There is more than one person against the contract. Perhaps only one spoke up at the meeting.

Posted by: 24yrcop | September 30, 2009 5:22 PM

To all of the "younger" police officers who don't like the contract, here is an idea: GO TO ANOTHER POLICE DEPARTMENT! You are all certified officers, go ahead and transfer. We'll be fine without you, promise. You have no idea what we had to go through to get where we are today. Now you idiots want to go to arbitration and risk everything. What an arrogant group of egomaniacs! I feel bad for this city if this is the future of the NHPD.

Posted by: wojo | September 30, 2009 8:38 PM

I am glad to see that the vote was for ratification. I am also glad to see that people put aside their differences, even if very vocal, and voted for the best of the majority. Now maybe we can move on, and have the same turn out at every meeting. I have attended 3/4 of this years meetings, and sorrowfully saw more people at the morning meeting than at all of the previous combined. Take an active interest in the Union... Your contracts depend on it.
PS... LaborLady is right, 1-2 hours once a month is nothing, and you even get pizza!!!

Posted by: Not A Cop But A City Employee | September 30, 2009 8:59 PM

This comment is for the post by John September 27, 2009 12:07 PM

He states:

"I work Christmas, my birthday and my kids birthday plus over 70hrs a week excuse me if I cant make a Union meeting"

Well isn't a work week 40 hours? If you work 40 Hours a week you can make it to some of the things you are missing out on! But wait then you would be giving up 30 Hours of overtime! I don't hear any complaints when your cashing your check each week that you HAD TO WORK 70 hours a week.

I am also a city employee and would gladly have the 30 hours overtime a week along with the contract the police just signed, as well as to be able to get 30 hours a week overtime.

Maybe if your that unhappy you should just resign!

Posted by: NHFireman | September 30, 2009 10:01 PM

On a lighter note that was Al Pacino that shot the Police officer and the Wise Guy in the head in the God Father.

Posted by: Laborlady | September 30, 2009 10:31 PM

Louis, I know "John" isn't the same person as the one at the meeting...that sounds more like "understand the facts". John works too many hours to attend union meetings, after all.

Posted by: jjlowe332 | October 1, 2009 12:00 AM

Oh this is great. Good job give more and get less. Well I hope we can get more back from the fire department who gets a raise for the next two years and still has the top healthcare (Century preferred). We can save on money if the Fire deparment stops driving the trucks to the stores to shop for groceries and go to an intoxicated person call. I laugh when I see the firefighter washing their personal cars on City time. The fire department needs to stop getting high pay (they only let things burn then water it out) and next contract give back like all the other unions and come back to the same benefits the teachers and public works have now. Mr. Mayor was your father a cop or a fire fighter because the police gave up something the past three contracts. Can't wait to see what happens in two years!
I want to thank the police for the low numbers on crime and the long hours they put on the streets away from their family. I think its sad that you spend so much time fighting someone every shift and not have the luxury only responding to a call (fire) every so often.
This contract will bring in less qualified persons to do your work. Its sad some already got through the process but now the more qualified wont apply. Its easier to qualify to be a firefighter not having an extensive backround check (and they get better contracts). Like they say if you can't be a cop be a fire fighter or work for public works. Bad deal bad contract. Maybe the cops should have the Fire fighters Union!!! They will get paid to shut one police station down a night and get good benefits. PLEASE!!!!!! Good luck in the long run officers you got bagged.

Posted by: Unreal | October 1, 2009 9:49 AM

jjlowe332,...

Firefighters work 10 hour days and 14 hour nights, god forbid they should go get food or a cup of coffee (apparently your job doesn't entitle you to eat). EMS responding to intoxicated people is a matter of liability for the city, diabetics sometimes have the same signs and symptoms as an intoxicated person.

And oh no..a firefighter washes his car in his down time. Well bear in mind he does that after he checks all of his equipment, cleans the firehouse, and has training classes. Never mind responding to building fires, shootings, stabbings, heart attacks, and any other call for service they may get in the course of a shift.

As far as the FD's contract, everything is negotiable and the differences all have to do with economic timing. The FD also gave back in the last contract. They no longer get time and a half for overtime they make straight pay. That comes out to huge savings for the city.

I certainly hope you are not a member of the NHPD, the citizens deserve better. Unlike you I would never stereotype and belittle what the fine police officers of this city do.

If the job of New Haven firefighter is so "luxurious" take the test next time. I'd love to see your face when you see a 16 y/o girl dead and mangled in a car, or have to do CPR on an infant, or an 8 year old shot to death on the street with his hysterical mother hovering over him,or expose yourself to every communicible disease on earth, or miss christmas, or your kids birthday. But most of all I'd love to see you on a hoseline crawling into a burning house or on a roof 4 stories up. I am willing to bet a firefighter at a building fire will work harder during that fire than you do in a month.

So before you throw stones at New Haven's bravest you should look in the mirror and ask yourself if you could do what they do. Let me help you out......you couldn't

Thank you NHPD and NHFD for the fine job you do

Posted by: lbcomment | December 1, 2009 3:41 PM

I'm more than a little concerned regarding the hold down question. I'm in favor of officers retaining the hold down ability. As a business user who uses 4 police officer services every week, it would place a place an unnecessary burden on the employer to ''acquaint'' a new officer every weekend to perform the services required. Not every job is an unplug and plug in function. At the very least, how about involving the public about how you intend to provide the services they need. There are some tasks that should not be ''negotiated away'' when all the parties involved are not at the table.