Police Officers Receive Contract Extension Offer

San Diego police officers have received a wage-and-benefits offer from the city that would extend their current two-year contract through June, 1989.

Terms of the package, which do not affect the 8% increase police officers are scheduled to receive beginning in July, will be disclosed to rank-and-file members on Friday by the San Diego Police Officers Assn.

The offer, which was approved unanimously by the City Council in closed session Tuesday, is subject to ratification by police officers.

POA official Ty Reid called the agreement unprecedented.

“Nothing like this has ever happened in the city’s history,” Reid said. “There’s never been a proposal like this agreed to between city management and the POA so far in advance. I and the other members of our team have been working for months on this thing. I’m extremely gratified about the results.”

A voter approved change in the City Charter last year authorized multiyear contracts for the first time.

‘Dollars Are Right’

Without divulging the terms of the offer, Reid said the “dollars are right” and that he will encourage officers to approve the package.

City government sources Wednesday night said that the package calls for a 5% wage increase for most police officers on July 1, l988. The continuation of the 4-day, 10-hours per day work week will continue but be reevaluated.

Reid said that city officials approached the POA several months ago with the idea of buying labor peace by discussing a contract extension. He said the POA leaders have been hammering out an agreement with Deputy City Manager Jack McGrory. McGrory on Wednesday briefed Police Chief Bill Kolender on the contract extension.

The two sides reached an agreement Tuesday that the POA leadership felt should be presented to the membership for consideration, Reid said.

After hearing the proposal at one of three meetings scheduled for Friday at the Town & County Hotel, police officers will have 10 days to return ballots to area police stations.

Times Staff Writer Anthony Perry contributed to this story.