Talks on Police Pact Termed ‘Positive’
A new contract for 100 rank-and-file Simi Valley police officers could be in the works Tuesday when union and city negotiators resume talks.
“Things look positive,” said Assistant City Manager Laura Herron, the city’s chief negotiator.
Her cautious optimism stems from an hours-long Thursday negotiation session, the results of which will be discussed in a closed City Council session Monday.
A difference over binding arbitration caused contract talks to stop a month ago. Since July 1, members of the Simi Valley Police Officers Assn. have been working without a new contract.
The union has rebuffed raise offers to fight for binding arbitration, which many officers think brings more fairness to the discipline process.
Under the current system, officers subject to discipline may appeal the decision of a captain or the police chief to a state administrative hearing officer. But the city is not bound by the hearing officer’s decision.
Giving a hearing officer the final say would remove politics from the discipline process, union leaders say. City officials contend that local city leaders--not outside arbitrators--should make punishment decisions.
The union is seeking a one-year--rather than three-year--pact that includes binding arbitration.
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