Contract Negotiations

These notes are from the meeting between the Memphis Police Association (MPA) and the City of Memphis held on 03/14/08 at the Memphis Public Library (Central location). The meeting was scheduled to begin at 1000hrs.The following observations were made.

• The meeting began at 1058 hrs. All members of each team were present.
• CN Myers provided MPA with an item from the information request list (an appropriation statement line item budget). CN Godwin asked for clarification regarding the number of officers (350) in secondary employment provided by CN Myers via email. He advised that this number reflects the actual numbers of officers engaged in secondary employment. Col. Williams advised that this number was provided by the officer who maintains these numbers in a database. CN Godwin also asked for a status report regarding other information requests. CN Myers advised that he is currently awaiting all information and asked if there is specific information that the MPA needs immediately. Chief Tusant also explained the reason why an actuarial line item budget cannot be provided (many items have been taken from the police budget and placed in the City’s budget). 
• CN Myers, in response to the MPA’s proposed articles, advised that the City is prepared to TA to the following articles: 13 (Policies and Procedures), 21 (Early Roll Call), 25 (Residency Requirements), 29 (Bulletin Boards), 47 (Inactive Commission), 53 (Out of Town Duty Related Appearance)
• Regarding the MPA’s article 49 (Firearms), CN Myers advised that the total cost for the days given was $364,348.48 or 15,440 hours, and therefore should be considered as an economic article.
• Regarding article 18 (Promotions), CN Myers wanted clarification about the MPA’s position (whether it is economic or non economic) and if Exhibit A is economic or non economic. CN Godwin advised that both the article and the exhibit are both non economic. CN Myers advised that he would like to extend an opportunity for both sides to have an open dialog regarding all aspects of Exhibit A (particularly #8, 9, and information regarding seniority points). CN Godwin responded by saying that the language the city is requesting to be added to this Exhibit, already exists within the article. Both CN acknowledged that this article/exhibit should be altered to reflect actual practice. A caucus was taken at 1155hrs. The meeting resumed at 1226 hrs.
• CN Myers advised that he would like to schedule meetings for the upcoming week.
• CN Godwin advised that the MPA would like to propose the following non economic articles: 4(Bargaining Unit), 6 (Commission Status), 14 (Departmental Disciplinary Procedures), 17 (Seniority Preference), 19 (Hours of Work), 41 (Health and Safety), 50 (Special Events and Overtime), 51 (Career Development). CN Godwin also advised she would like to discuss 1983 cases (when an officer is sued for civil rights violations), when officers are being separated from the city and are being required to provide themselves with private representation. She advised that the City owes officers representation if the officer is performing within the realm of their duties as a police officer.
• CN Myers requested a caucus at 1251hrs. The meeting resumed at 1336 hrs. CN Myers had the following concerns regarding the MPA’s proposed articles: #4 (are officers being taken from the bargaining unit or the bid system?) #6 (what post commission positions are being filled with civilian employees?) #14 (Aren’t there underlying reasons, i.e. pending criminal investigations that would prevent this to be a speedy process?) #19 (is this article being proposed to possibly unite all overtime/special events lists?) CN Myers advised that he has to leave and the meeting adjourned at 1430hrs.