Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Police union for civilians OKs more meager wage increase

Sheriff, union negotiated lower-than-agreed to COLA adjustment because of economy

The union that represents Metro Police dispatchers, crime scene investigators and other civilian employees has tentatively agreed to take another cut in the next cost-of-living increase.

The Police Protective Association Civilian Employees Inc. went back to the negotiating table with Sheriff Douglas Gillespie Thursday and agreed to accept a 2 percentage point cut in the cost-of-living raise that was to go into effect July 1, union President Terri Yada said.

The union had previously agreed to a 1 percent cut in the pay raise and to have employees pick up another 0.5 percent of the cost their retirement.

Yada said Gillespie called her Wednesday night after their initial agreement and said they needed to meet again, that the amount had not been enough.

“In hearing his explanation of what is going on, we absolutely agreed to the 2 percent reduction in the cost-of-living,” she said.

“Our folks now -- we see what’s going on,” she said. “We’re feeling it, and our folks are feeling it. It’s not like it was a hard sell.”

If employees ratify the agreement during voting April 15, Metro’s civilian employees will receive a 1.75 percent raise when the new fiscal year begins July 1.

Metro Police spokeswoman Carla Alston confirmed the figures.

Uniformed officers represented by the Police Protective Association are currently voting on a one-year contract that includes no cost-of-living increase, Executive Director Chris Collins said. He expected the PPA continue to seek one-year contracts until the economy improves and raises can be included.

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