Orlando Police Officers Hold Silent Protest Over Questionable City Council Meeting

Released on = January 10, 2005, 12:32 pm

Press Release Author = Fraternal Order of Police Labor

Industry = Government

Press Release Summary = Mayor Tries Another Tactic

Press Release Body = (EMAILWIRE.COM, January 10, 2005) Orlando, FL -- Orlando Police to Protest City Council Workshop -- Orlando City Council will engage in public review of the Orlando Police Officers Labor Agreement at 10 AM today. FOP Attorney Mark Richard has issued a warning to the City that such a meeting is, " in total defiance of the law and procedure mandated by Chapter 447" [FSS]. Richard also stated, "We will not participate in such an unprofessional and offensive maneuver to circumvent the law." The City elected to follow impasse procedures on October 6, 2004. Both parties have selected a May 5th & 6th impasse hearing date.

Orlando Police Officers perceive the Mayor's meeting as an effort to break the officers resolve to seek a fair contract. In an October 11, 2004 interview, the Mayor stated the City does not have money for additional raises:

"We're having to live within our means. It's certainly their right to try to get more money from us. The city doesn't have it and I owe it to the taxpayers to make sure we hold the line." - Mayor Dyer

Throughout the Mayor's term in office he has been claiming a deficit, but then announces an $8 million surplus for fiscal year 2003/2004? This announcement came immediately after the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Committee requested City financial records. The Fraternal Order of Police retained Bellows and Associates, an accounting firm, to analyze the City's financial records and more of the City's financial information will be forthcoming.

In 2003 Orlando Police Officers helped the Mayor identify strategies to save $2 million to balance the budget. In so doing, the Police Officers efforts saved the jobs of numerous Civilian Employees.

In light of the City's continued generosity to developers and budget surplus announcements many officers now seriously question the City deficit.

The Mayor continues to use outdated pay rankings (WDBO Radio 1/10/05) for Orlando Police to deceive the public. We are currently (December 2004) ranked 67th in the country (not adjusted for cost of living) while the Mayor continues false and misleading data.

 

Web Site = http://WWW.FOP25.COM

Contact Details = For more information contact Fraternal Order of Police Labor Committee Chairman Sam Hoffman or Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 25 President Jeff
Williams at 407-832-1975 or 407-832-1973.

This press release was issued through GroupWeb EmailWire.Com. For more information on press release distribution, go to http://www.emailwire.com.


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