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Police union approves two-year contract with Tampa

Posted Nov 17, 2011 by Christian M. Wade

Updated Nov 17, 2011 at 10:10 PM

The city’s police union has ratified a two year contract with the city that includes 4.2 percent step plan raises for those who qualify but no cost-of-living increases.

Members of the Tampa Police Benevolent Association, who voted on the collective bargaining agreement Wednesday and Thursday, approved it by a vote 313 in favor and 142 votes against, according to Greg Stout, the union’s president.

The vote comes two weeks after Tampa firefighters rejected a similar two-year contract with the city. The rejection was a blow to Mayor Bob Buckhorn, who began negotiating the proposed agreement in face-to-face meetings with union leaders four months ago.

But two weeks later, members of the city’s largest trade union – which represents about 2,000 blue-collar and clerical workers – approved their contract with the city, 335-38.

Buckhorn issued a statement late Thursday, welcoming the PBA contract approval.

“The city of Tampa isn’t above or beyond the reality of the tough economy, but I believe we’ve negotiated a good contract,” he said. “I am still proud that we refused to balance the city’s budget on the backs of great servants like the men and women of the Tampa Police Department.”

The agreements with fire and police the general employees include a provision that the city and union representatives can revisit the issue of cost-of-living raises next year. But that will depend on the city’s financial situation, which isn’t expected to improve.

Check TBO.com for updates.