COSTA MESA

The police union and three officers recently filed suit against the city, alleging that a new policy regarding days off for officers breaches the union’s labor contract. City officials, however, said the lawsuit is little more than a legal maneuver intended to position the union for its upcoming wage and benefits negotiations. The suit, which does not name a dollar amount but demands the city rescind the policy and confer with the union about the changes, alleges city officials violated the rights of the officers with new shift and vacation policies instituted in November 1998. City Manager Allan L. Roeder said he expects no movement in the case until the city concludes salary and benefit talks with the union in the next few months.