On street, police union tactics questioned

[Justice]

http://www.boston.com/news/politics/conventions/articles/2004/07/22/on_street_police_union_tactics_questioned/

On their best days, they are courageous, intrepid, strong, and selfless. Protectors dressed in blue.


But as their protracted contract dispute with the city arrives at a critical stage today, the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association is feeling the sting of less flattering adjectives: Self-centered, divisive, greedy, disruptive. A union unwilling to reach common ground.

Across the city yesterday, support for the 1,400-member officers' union, which is threatening protests during next week's Democratic National Convention, appeared to be decidedly soft. While some residents say that police officers earn their pay and more, many of those interviewed expressed envy over their salaries, concern over public safety, and impatience with the standoff.

The patrolmen's association is asking for 17 percent raises spread over four years, and Menino is offering 11.9 percent.

[madmom]

1. I wonder...

is this police patrolmen's association a bona-fide labor union,ie afl-cio affiliate or such?Or are they hell bent on making Kerry and Edwards look bad by crossing a faux (fox) picket line? In this bizzaro repub controlled country you better be looking at every angle.IMO

[AndyTiedye]

2. My Bet is the BFEE is Blackmailing the Union Leadership....

...and the BPD will Cheney up our convention with picket lines everywhere.

It would be a disaster for Kerry. If he crosses the picket lines that
will poison his relations with the union voters, and bring out more
accusations of flip-flopping. If he doesn't, he and the whole party
will be spun as being pushed around by the unions, as they shut down
our convention.

WE NEED TO POSTPONE THE CONVENTION. NOW!