Stockton Police Union Sues City Over Unused Pay

STOCKTON, Calif. (AP) — The union that represents Stockton police officers is suing the city of Stockton over sick days and vacation time.

The Police Officers' Union on Wednesday asked a San Joaquin County judge to order the city to continue paying for unused sick and vacation time to officers leaving their jobs.

A city attorney told Superior Court Judge Lesley Holland that such a ruling could send the city into bankruptcy before recently approved mediation has begun.

Holland ordered the parties back in court on April 13.

Last month, the City Council vote to suspend $2 million in bond payments and begin negotiations with bond holders and creditors in an attempt to keep Stockton from becoming the largest city in the United States to file for bankruptcy protection.

The city currently has a $15 million deficit and one of the highest foreclosure rates in the nation.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.