SFPD Union Accepts Concessions

San Francisco police have cast a critical vote on contract concessions designed to help balance the city's budget. It was the largest vote in the history of the San Francisco Police Officers Association. By a 65 to 35 percent margin, or 946 to 530, the rank and file agreed to give backs worth some $20 million.

"We sent a message to the city and to the board of supervisors, to the mayor and to the citizens, especially the citizens, that we're here to be a part of the solution and not the problem," said union president Gary Delagnes.

He says officers are angry. Many feel the city is balancing its budget on the backs of workers.

"I hear their rage, and I hear their bitterness about some of the ways this city decides to spend their money," said Delagnes. "The smart play here is to make the concessions and move forward."

Officers agreed to defer a two percent pay hike, and agree to take 10 unpaid furlough days over two years. In return, they'll receive a two percent wage hike at the end of two years, and four extra floating holidays in each of the next two years.

MUNI operators are the only city workers to reject contract concessions.