After the city and police union reached a deal last week, a group of recently laid off police officers will be offered their old jobs
EAST PROVIDENCE - After a unanimous vote by the city council Tuesday night a dozen recently laid off police officers are expected to be back on the beat by week’s end.
Last Wednesday night, the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 569 approved a concessionary bargaining package negotiated between city and union leadership that adds up to roughly $892,000 of savings for East Providence in the current fiscal year, the same level of savings city officials said would be realized from the layoff of 13 police officers that took effect Oct. 9.
Along with the elimination of a clothing allowance for the next two years, the altered IBPO Local 569 collective bargaining agreement does away with the next six scheduled paid holidays, something Mayor Joseph Larisa Jr. said equates financially to the union surrendering a 3 percent pay raise due this year. Furthermore, the agreement moves health insurance premium co-shares for veteran employees to a level originally scheduled for 2012 with officers who are hired going forward enrolling in a health savings account that comes with a 10 percent co-pay and $2,000/$4,000 deductibles for individual and family coverage plans, respectively. While the deal reinstates the police department’s community relations officer, it does away with any language pertaining to a community policing unit.
On top of all this, the agreement offers an early retirement package to eligible veteran officers, however, the decision to accept this early retirement must come by March.
Currently, IBPO Local 569 President John Rossi said the police department has been operating with 81 officers since the layoffs were issued. Before this time, the police department was operating with 100 active officers. The layoff of 13 officers coupled with six workers being out with injuries lead to 81.
But the new deal stipulates that the police department’s staffing level must remain at 90 officers for the length of the agreement, which expires at the end of fiscal year 2012. Were all 13 laid off officers and all six injured officers to return, the staffing number would jump back up to 100.
So how does the police department stay at 90 officers? For starters, police chief Joseph Tavares said one of the laid off officers has already found work elsewhere. Mr. Rossi added that two or three of the injured officers aren’t expected to return. These two factors combined with the number of officers who either retire early or retire at another time during the current collective bargaining agreement, Mr. Rossi said, should bring the staffing total to 90.
In spite of the recent of agreement, Mr. Rossi said he would still like to see the police department between 96 and 100 officers, adding that as the number gets closer to 90 through attrition, the city may start to see overtime pay on the rise.
Since the layoffs were handed out, the issue of overtime has been a central point of argument for those who opposed the decision. City councilman Brian Coogan has been one of them. He said in past weeks he has witnessed officers working 16 hour shifts for two or three consecutive days.
According to the city’s finance department, the police department spent a total of $53,382 on overtime from Oct. 9 to Oct. 23, or 1,295 hours. Over the last 11 months, the average bi-weekly amount for overtime was $35,700.
But Chief Tavares isn’t convinced this two-week period is enough to tell what would have happened had the police department’s staffing levels gone unadjusted into the coming weeks and months.
“This was a snapshot,” Chief Tavares said. “The overtime was high, there’s no denying that, however, that was a small snapshot. I don’t know what would have happened in the long term but I’m glad the solution is here now.”
Prior to the agreement being approved by the city council, Chief Tavares said he was already at work on a schedule to bring the laid off officers back onto the job “in anticipation” of Tuesday’s “good news.” He said the officers who agree to come back to E.P. could be back on the streets as early as Thursday, Nov. 5.
The RI State Police, who the moron Larisa brought in to run the police department recommended INCREASING the manpower on the police department-not reducing it. Thank goodness Larisa, Cusack, and Perry are at the end of their political careers-they're not fit to be dog catcher-never mind city councilors.
www.preserveeppd.com
I have three thoughts about this deal. First, the reduction in the force was presented as part of a PowerPoint presentation of an ICMA study showing that we had too many officers for the work that needs to be done. How do these give backs handle the fact that we have a study (That we paid how much for?) that told us to reduce the number of officers. Second, Mr. Larisa and Mr. Brown have said that the give back of the uniform allowance and six holidays would cover the 3% raise the union just got. It may cover the 3% raise but since they didn’t give back the actual 3% what about the increased payroll taxes and long term pension liabilities? Third, what happened to Mr. Larisa’s no contracts approved without the 20% medical co-pay? I’ve got to believe that a mere $20 a week isn’t going to even come close. This is no deal for the taxpayers and if Mr. Larisa thinks the general public doesn’t see through this he is sadly mistaken.
Paul Doughty
GET RID OF REP. JACK "THE HACK" SAVAGE THE TEACHERS UNION SUPPORTER
union_teacher says:
i'm Paul Doughty
Hey Jailbird Joe-What's up-did they let you out of work early at the scab construction company today? Aren't you supposed to work till 5? What's up with that Jailbird?
I have an idea Jailbird Joe-Why don't you take a ride over Jack's house on your motorcycle, and you can ride together up to Providence-I hear President/Attorney Doughty is working at the fire station today.
Nah not to worry joe I have many hobbies and much work to do when every I feel like it. Though posting nonsense to (eewwt) well not rewarding is at times a help to know that some people as (eewwt) still exist in this civilized world. LOL
Oh watch your language joe your in public domain where SHIP HIGH IN TRANSIT could be considerednon politically correct or vulgar. LOL
Jack
Jack, I hear basket weaving can be very enjoyable.
why would I want to see a do nothing antropoligist makes no sense as usual. Allways welcome for a beer joe though I dont ride bikes anymore sold my 750 Norton and 650 Triump Chopper long long ago.
Jack
Actually I do know how to sew and make clothes but I'll stick with Guitar and composing and 50 other things I do LOL
750 Norton comando.with a kick start,How's your knee.I almost went over the handle bars trying to start one of those.
Soon after District Attorney Sam Sutter was sworn into office in January 2007, he began creating a “Cold Case Squad.”
The District Attorney has pledged to make previously unsolved homicides one of the top priorities in his office. He has described these unsolved homicides as “open wounds” for families and the community.
To further his goal of pinpointing cold cases that could be solved, District Attorney Sutter has created a team of talented prosecutors and state police detectives with experience solving these kinds of cases.
During his first two years in office, the District Attorney’s Office has brought charges in six "cold case" murders, including one that dates back to 1986.
District Attorney Sutter is committed to making every effort to solve more of these cases, and as part of that effort, has created this new web page to spur more tips from the general public.
This page will be routinely updated with more photos of unsolved homicide victims and details about their murders.
If you or anyone you know has any information about these cases, please contact us by calling our Unsolved Homicide Tip Line at 1-866-SOLVE-07. Callers can remain anonymous if they wish.
Thank you for taking the time to help bring murderers to justice.
Not saying your week kneed are you jethro lol Only problem with my knees are from roofing in my younger days now that was bad for the knees when there were no knee pads you had calouses.LOL
My fingers are to fat to play guitar,can't make the cords work.I tried but my wife told me she would leave for all the noise.I kept trying till she left.
Oh and is there a different way to start a bike now wow wonders never cease. LOL
Ahh I would remind you that Jimi Hendrix had very fat fingers and played kinda good I guess for a virtuoso. LOL
Jack
I have one bike that is kick start, and one with electric.I have to say the kick start stays in the garage.It.s a 71 sportster with front and rear drum brakes,scarry to ride compaired to my soft tail.
I quite riding when I came home from texas on leave in 74 and almost got killed soon as I got in Rhode Island That was it for me to many nuts with cars here and no concern for a biker.
Jack
In 74 I was riding my bmx 5 speed around Island park with a playing card in the spokes to make it sound cool.
I have rode since 1980,no problems, knock on wood. I wear a helment even though it is not required, and drive slow, like my grand ma.I know what you mean though, people are crazy at times.
tsk tsk tsk young pup with the dreams of riding a real bike and no respect for the eloquent games of poker and a hearing deficit. LOL
Ahhh youth it is allways missed for life. We are forever regulated to dream back and wish forward.
Jack
jaqdadi says:
You know jethro, you must lead a very lonely life. The last thing you do in the day, and the first thing, as well as all the time in between, is to blast this Paul Doughty. What does that have to do with any story on this site?
Oh yes; union_turd now has to quote one of the other three idiots here; it's run of stupid. Who would've thought it posssible.
Regarding the story, that's how you have to play with these union thugs.....strong-arm actions are all they understand.
Hmmm no (eewwt) has to post post of other posters. Well at least its a post of someone with reasonable opinions and a williness to listen and respect others opinions. Not that that is ok (eewwt) it futher show your ineptitude to communicate in a fair and reasonably intelligent manner. LOL
Jack
Awwww....it sounds like it's getting vewy vewy angwy. Don't forget to take your pills, Paul, lest you end up with another domestic violence investigation.
Quite the contrary jaqdadi,I have a great life.I like my job, and the work I do, interests me.I have other income from my real estate investments that earn me as much as my job, but the benefits are provided buy my day job.My girl friend is hot and digs me.I belong to several local clubs, and 1 org.The Viking riders of RI .org. we are preparing for our Turkey Run, and our Toy Run, where we help families who are down on there luck with meals and toys along with cash if needed.I have a great life, full of friends and family .The lord has gifted me with good health and a wonderful life,I thank him daily for my good fortune and try to pay back with help for others in need. I had two wonderful parents who raised me strictly, and with love. They still live in my child hood home that I visit frequently.I don't know what else to say except life in GREAT.
response to jethro
I believe you are answering that for mothing. (eewwt) pated it in hopes of antaganizing you toward (jaqdadi) who by the way though opinionated like myself is a nice guy in person and just trys to debate as I do. Just a thought jethro ;-}
Jack
Thats alright, I like to brag.
ok ok good bragging you get a point for bragging rights today 10 points removed from (eewwt) for not being able to post for himself. LOL
Union man in his ivory tower
Staring down as he views man's squall er
Looking for perks that he can devour
To feed his clan with fists of power
They plan and they scheme to bring up there levy
The tax payers scream the burdens to heavy
And so goes the battle the war wages on
The tax payers fight will live on and on
Never surrender keep up the good fight
We'll save our state and all will be right.
wow jethro another point thats makes 2 points in one week 8 more and and get a free Becks Dark LOL
Jack
Strong beer, I better bring a designated driver.
Join the Shoreline Coalition!!!
Keep our beachs for the wealthy and privilaged, not for "We The People" as the RI Constitution says.
www.risc.org
Wrong group Taxpayer ep get your facts strait stop believing Paul Doughty
He's gross and perverted obsessed and deranged
His mind has been twisted he's thoughts have been changed
He talks about Government as if it's a tool
To pick peoples pockets with Government rule
This poster called union he's no friend at all
If you follow him get ready to fall
He knows only one way and that way is greed
The best I can figure it's part of his breed
As soon as we beat him well be in the black
And then once again we'll have our State back
Response to taxpayerEP says:
Binding Arbitration in Connectiucuit
The years you a quoting were the beginning and like most things that people think are great at first in the long run as always with the government the taxpayers suffer. As stated by the post above the State of Conneticut is in deep trouble with this now and it will take a herculean effort to reverse it.
It is not proven it does not work long term obviously and I'm sure in this State it would be even worse with the corruption that exist here.
Jack
Jethro
Historical facts: The "Statewide Coalition" began life as the "shoreline coalition"
When the ran risc.org a google search for "shoreline Coalition" would bring one to the STAYEWIDE COALITION.
Now they have changed websites, but as the saying goes "A Leopard cannot change it's spots"
HISTORICAL SYNOPSIS
OF THE
RHODE ISLAND STATEWIDE COALITION
The Rhode Island Statewide Coalition (RISC) was incorporated on April 15, 2003,
as the Rhode Island Shoreline Coalition (RISC).
The right for state and municipal (including teachers) employees to unionize is a STATE right. If you elect people who recognize the damage the unions are doing to our state and economy you can solve the problem by appealing the right to unionize. The law wouldn't be legally enforceable against active collective bargaining agreements but once they expire that's it, they're done. If you want to take back this state we need to stop voting for anyone with a 'D' behind their name.
No offence David but it is a federal right and states cannot stop it it would be a violation of federal law.
Wagner Act was section 7 (29 U.S.C.A. § 157), which stated the public policy that workers have the right to engage in self-organization, in collective bargaining, and in concerted activities in support of self-organization and collective bargaining.
Jack
Taxpayer ep, what the heck are you talking about. The shore line coalition was fighting to keep DEM of their land,key point, their land . You know nothing, except what you were told by your leaders. They give you your talking points in a guide called "talking points for liberal morons".Issued to the Liberal army types like you. Save your misinformed opinion for the union meeting.You can impress your fellow Libs with your talking point knowledge. Maybe get a look from Pat "the worm" Crawley, Or Marcie "Miss Piggy" Reback, they love your type.
Jackb....the Wagner Act (NLRA) only covers employees in the private sector that wish to participate in collective barganing. Public employees are NOT covered by NLRA unless covered by the Railway Labor Act. This is why state and municipal unions complain to the RI labor board and not the federal government. The quick fix is to remove the closed shop state stautue and allow employees to choose whether they want representation or not.
Response to david
I posted that because I though you were saying the state could ban Unions and that they cannot do. A state cannot enact any law that would violate Federal Law. Perfect example it marjuana is federally outlawed and the Goverment will arrest even those with medical pot even if the state passed a law allowing it. Any law banning even state workers from being in a union would be unlawfull. I dont think R.I. has a closed shop law though i'm not sure off hand on that. Personally I think closed shop are Unconstitutional.
Well some states have closed shops they are also illegal outlawed by the amendment to wagner which was reafirmed by taft/hartley.
The problem here in R.I. is the the strike clause forbidding unions from striking has no penalties in it and therefore usless. Most states that have it can levy severe fine on Unions and individual members for striking. The Federal government only allows informational pickets. Strike result in instant firing as Air Traffic Controlers Union found out in the 80's.
My hope is to get people in there to put a stop to the raping of us taxpayer. Because they took away so many of rights in management and gave so many rigts to the Unions now they are out of control and take advantage of this at every turn with no concern for their membership or us the taxpayers.
I also hope they never appove the Binding arbitration crap as stated in my post above C.T. is in deep trouble with it now and every rhode islander know we have so much political corruption in this state that kind of law would kill us and bankrupt us in less than a year I figure.
Jack
Good Find, TaxEP!
Yes, I dug up some old pages on the RISC.....seems like their focus was to get out of staters (like me) some POWER to screw the locals. Heck, even I don't believe in that.....
"A KEY PURPOSE FOR WHICH RISC WAS FOUNDED IS TO OBTAIN THE RIGHT TO VOTE ON FINANCIAL MATTERS FOR ALL NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY OWNERS."
"Does the state?s decision to allow housing developers to bypass local planning boards trouble you?"
"In short, are issues of shoreline and broader state impact a threat to the quality of life you cherish? "
Ha Ha Ha....Hah hah hah........looks like UT and EP win this one. Jethro belongs to and promotes an org that wants rich folks from out of state to be able to own the shoreline......
Sounds like you might be working against your own interests again, J.
Oh yes, People who own property should not get a say in the tax levy.That sounds like the American way, pay your taxes and shut up.Real good Craigimass keep spinning.Any way, the new group made up of thousands of RI residences live here and are making changes up state with there loby.Can,t kill the message, so they try to kill the messanger.Union play book P.13 Par.12 , The liberal army marches on.
Jack B says:
I also hope they never appove the Binding arbitration crap as stated in my post above C.T. is in deep trouble with it now and every rhode islander know we have so much political corruption in this state that kind of law would kill us and bankrupt us in less than a year I figure.
Well Jack, at least we know where you stand on binding arbitration for teachers, but I'm very curious as to where yo stand on binding arbitration for police officers and fire fighters. If you're against binding arbitration for police officers and firefighters, then you seem to be biting the hand that feeds you, and if you're for binding arbitration for police officers and firefighters, then you don't believe in giving the teachers the same opportunity for binding arbitration as the police officers and firefighters.
So what's your position Jack?
Response to (eewwt)
Seek professional help you need it.
Jack
Jethro, I have no problem for you fighting for my interests while I go sailing and dine out. Please continue to do so.
What a great comeback Jack-What's the matter?-Ashamed to state your views publicly on binding arbitration for police officers and firefighters?
reponse to (eewwt)
Again you dont read anything though it is quite obvious by the post above on binding i'm against use your brain and read rather than assuming as always.
Seek professional help you need it.
Jack
So you're against binding arbitration for police officers and firefighters also? A simple yes or no is all we need here-not a very difficult thing.
response to (eewwt)
Obviously if I dont support the State Law I'm against Binding for anyone geeze you just don't read anything whats that matter trouble reading context. Quit reading every third word and seeing only what you want to see.
reponse to (eewwt)
Again you dont read anything though it is quite obvious by the post above on binding i'm against use your brain and read rather than assuming as always.
Seek professional help you need it.
Jack
Well Jack, that's very interesting-you're AGAINST binding arbitration for firefighters, but you have no problem collecting your FIREFIGHTER PENSION CHECK every month. Do us a favor Jack, and look up the word hypocrite in the dictionary. Or better still-why don't you donate your FIREFIGHTER PENSION CHECK every moth to the RI Shoreline Coalition or the teabaggers.
Have no idea what having a pension has to do with a free American being against something he considers counter productive to fair negoiations.
reponse to (eewwt)
Again you dont read anything though it is quite obvious by the post above on binding i'm against use your brain and read rather than assuming as always.
Seek professional help you need it.
Jack
So if the federal government offered federal firefighters binding arbitration when you were on the job, you would have said "no-I don't want it"? Please do us a favor Jack-the readers deserve some honesty here.
Nope would have stepped down I have principals unlike you.
Get Professional Help you need it.
Jack
imca is a fraud soon you will be hearing about court cases about them and no not in ri but other states where real council people asked real question and did not get the real facts the imca company put in there reports.when the real council people did some checking about imca they ask other citys to send them copies of there reports and guess what they were carbon copies.4 plus cities with the same report.....good job ep
sorry icma
go to the icma web site and you will find your city manager name there make you say what....................
