According to the grapevine, the above ad seemed to have the intended effect as Chief Schultz opened negotiations shortly thereafter telling the powers that be over at the APOA that negotiations would take a month or so. That was early October (read about it here) and the additional money approved by the council has still not found its way to the officers of APD. The story is that talks between the union and the 5th floor have stalled and the Chief Schultz is telling union officials that everything will get done, just give him some time.
We really don't know for sure that Schultz and the union have been talking at all. However, it does make sense in light of the lack of follow-up by the union. There's little doubt that the ad had an impact and that back in October the APOA had the upper-hand. In fact, many Eye readers questioned why union President Ron Olivas failed to press his advantage.
If indeed Schultz and company had opened negotiations, the union would understandably be reluctant to continue the campaign. However, our friends over at the union better understand that time is not on their side.
At the time, Marty had just announced for Senate and there were thousands of visitors from all over the world in town to see the colorful fiesta. The smart political move was to play for time, get the visitors out, and hopefully the media and the public would lose interest. So far the move seems to have worked.
46 comments:
Powerless union. Or guttless. Must have made some sort of deal to stall. Oh, I know where there's $5.8M, just sittin' there doing nothin'.
Dah, there's the pay raise and we didn't have to raise any taxes to do it. Oh, Sorry, that's Marty & Ray's money. Sorry troops.
screwed again!
Even if the media and the public lose interest there are six other city employee unions that aren't going away. I seem to remember a little dispute over that $2.25 million as to whether the Mayor or City Council can just ignore the Labor-Management Relations Ordinance, ignore collective bargaining and the rights of all the other city employees and their unions altogether, and "give" money to one union regardless of the needs of the other unions.
Your apparent approval of the illegal tactics of this one union, taking out ads and applying political pressure outside of the negotiating process, which is supposed to commence soon anyway, is wrong. You should realize that the City Council can't just appropriate money to "raise the base pay."
The rules require the City to negotiate with all its unions, and they prohibit giving mid-contract gifts to the cops. Not that they haven't done that in the past; just that it is wrong, and it hurts all the other City employees and their unions. The process is the unions go to the Council's Guidelines Committee and present their needs, the City (secretly) plans its negotiating tactics. Then the negotiating teams negotiate, and then when an agreement is reached, if the amount is beyond the budget or for a multi-year contract, they go to the Council for approval. Otherwise they ratify the agreement, the City signs it, and that's the deal. That's the way it's supposed to work for all the unions, police included.
Not taking ads and using political pressure (which is illegal and prohibited). So it's pretty sad when cops don't even obey the law. Or, alternatively, maybe they are and you just don't know it and that's why you think maybe the union president "failed to press his advantage." Maybe he knows some things you don't know and he's doing it right. Let's hope so.
PLEASE, PLEASE ,PLEASE, STOP. I don't want to hears about other unions and employees.
The streets are getting harder to control and crime is getting more dangerous by the hour, thanks to the 5th floor having their mind on everything else besides what they SHOULD be doing. Is driving your desks any more difficult or dangerous than it was a year ago? No you can't count getting more paper cuts or that 'carpol Tunnel ' Thing.
Schultz called Olivas into his office right after the ad came out and chewed his ass. Olivas does not want to lose his job because his back is injured and he is light duty.
Your 5th floor has told Ron Olivas in no uncertain terms that he will lose his job, (light duty position) if he pushes chief Schultz or the Mayor.
So basically, the APD troops are screwed, as the APOA does not plan on doing anything to get the officers raises, especially any thing that will piss Chief Schultz off!
Oh, the Union will give the APD Officers a song and dance, but nothing is going to happen until the Mayor decides to give the money up!
However, in light of recent senate developments, I am very sure Mayor Chavez is not into Christmas giving.
In fact, he is going to make some peoples lives hell now!
I feel so sorry for all those APD Officers that pay their dues and get no support in return.
I know, join AFD, our union rocks!
Also, our Chief and his staff do not screw over their personnel!
Marty opened negotiations to shut up the union and it worked, he will keep it stalled until the contract expires. A fact we have learned is that this union is weak and the leadership is too green, lacking in any true undersanding of labor, Lawrence Torres is running circles around them.
APOA is clueless!
"Marty opened negotiations..." According to the Eye "Chief Schultz opened negotiations" in October, saying "that negotiations would take a month or so."
Does anyone know if negotiations for a new contract have opened? Or are we talking about pretend "negotiations?" Who's on the bargaining teams? And what else are Marty, Ray, and the cop's union conspiring about?
"It shall be a prohibited practice for any elected or appointed official of the city government or for any employee organization, group of city employees or individual city employee to attempt to influence negotiations or to interfere with the normal progress of negotiations between the duly authorized negotiating teams of the city government and of the employee organization."
Section 3-2-9(C), LMRO.
Where's the cop's union? Maybe it's in Marty's pocket along with the $2.25 million the City Council and/or the Mayor are illegally using to "bargain" with under the table instead of on it. Does anyone care or is everyone just out to get what they can for themselves and the hell with everyone else? Business -- and crime -- as usual for the conspirators: the Chief, the Mayor, and the Union. Even the Eye seems pretty cynical and ignorant about these labor issues.
HEY GUYS, did you see Sat morning Journal ? A.P.D. Officers thrown under the bus yet once again. Headline CHIEF APOPOGIZES IN PARTY DISPUTE. Ray says sorry County Commissioner Thaddeus Lucero my Cops are just BAD. One thing marty taught you ray was how to kiss ass and stab your hard working underpaid Officers in the back !
Lawerence Torres, that APD traitor, political hack!
He's is screwing his own. Torres would eat his own young to get ahead!
However, Olivas is running scared. They also have him snowed into thinking he's going to get something. Come on APOA, they shut you up to buy time. You still have time to come out strong.
The Mayor does not want bad press, slam him in the media!
Don't worry, Schultz will not touch you! He will also be gone in two years. Anyhow, we know Schultz threatened your light duty job! Grow a set and take him on, if he moves on you, it's called retaliation and union busting!
Even if it's a year after you leave office.
Grow a set, you owe it to the APD Officers!
Come out of hiding!
Lawerence Torres, that APD traitor, political hack!
He's is screwing his own. Torres would eat his own young to get ahead!
However, Olivas is running scared. They also have him snowed into thinking he's going to get something. Come on APOA, they shut you up to buy time. You still have time to come out strong.
The Mayor does not want bad press, slam him in the media!
Don't worry, Schultz will not touch you! He will also be gone in two years. Anyhow, we know Schultz threatened your light duty job! Grow a set and take him on, if he moves on you, it's called retaliation and union busting!
Even if it's a year after you leave office.
Grow a set, you owe it to the APD Officers!
Come out of hiding!
Come on APOA, fight for your officers!
In todays paper (Sat, 12/8/07), Chief Schultz again, apologizes for Sgt Montano's actions against Thaddeus Lucero, while Lucero was at a party drinking. Anyone that has had contact with Lucero, knows how arrogant he is. He was cited for speeding and was rude to the officer that stopped him and wanted a break because of his position.
Chief Schultz, Montano is a nice guy and those that work with him know that he did not make up that stuff.
Chief Schultz is always apologizing for his officers actions, even when the officers are on the side of right!
Why doesn't the APD union come out and support the officers?
Again AOPA, he's a chance to come out and fight for your people, don't let them down!
I heard a rumor so I went down and confronted the pres about it. He confirmed that the union spent the last six weeks working out the details on a retention package for officers between 18-22 years. It is a great benefit looks like and goes into effect in two weeks. he told me that things took a bit longer because the city had excluded the LT's from recieving the retention bonus. so they went back and hammered that out because the lt's are still members also. he said the entire contract is right in the middle of the negotiating process and he wdnt tell me anything(looks like he really cant). So it sure seems like things did move in late october..........so maybe some of you retired guys, or punk ass fire guys commenting on here should get your facts straight. Dont be mad fireboy that police did all the leg work and actually got something done. Shouldnt you be under a table somewhere at campaign HQ, oh wait, thats shut down today.....
Correct me if I am wrong but I think Olivas has been a representative for the union a long time. That is not the problem, but a while back a board member posted on this site that Olivas was hiding after the ad came out in the newspaper because the Chief was mad at him.
That is a major problem for the APOA!
President Olivas, Mayor Chavez was running from the news cameras last night to avoid bad press!
Now is the time for you to moved against him and Chief Schultz.
Don't let the membership down to save your own hide. You will fare just fine and will earn the APOA Union much needed respect!
Can ANYONE in City goverment be a 'Hero' for doing the right thing?
NO.
Everyone's job is to see how they can screw over their fellow
co-worker. Makes these little minions feel good about themselves. They enjoy instilling fear as they think it makes them powerful. Nothing could be further from the truth.
RESPECT is what makes you honorable, and by doing what's right.
Maybe commentor several up, is right. They could take a few lessons from AFD.
Yeah, you hit the nail on the head.
Our leadership has it's focus on covering up there indescretions and scheming on who to screw next.
This is what they live for as it gives them a woody everytime.
Focus on rael police work and stop with the girly high school shit, Act like grown ups instead of catty women.
Good one! Yes, they all must be trying out for parts on "Desperate Housewives", or a Cialis commercial.
God knows, in their case, an erection lasting more than four hours is a good thing.
Oh yeah. Have to be ready. Never know when you have to 'bone' someone. (The rank and file)
I would not believe the comment on the big retention raise for officers with 18 to 22 years until it is signed and made public. I have heard all these rumors for years (lunch hour lawsuit anyone?). If it ain't in print, then it ain't for real. Show me the money.
You are just frustrated because your department can't get any money out of the Mayor. We were able to get 1.6 million for 7 new Assistant Chief positions, coming in January, at $106,000 each. That's in addition to the 3 deputy chiefs, 19 commanders and 98 captains we already have. we're kicking your ass and contract negotiations haven't even started yet.
Where in the hell is Chief Schultz? It's true, the fire dept is getting all this money. Their Chief has really taken very good care of them, while Schultz stabs us in the back every chance he gets!
When AFD's Chief gets a raise, he ensures all his people get one as well!
Not APD Chief Ray Schultz, He and his deputy Chief have recieved over and 8% raise in the last two years alone. The APD Officers have recieved nothing!
Chief Shultz, thanks for all your support in Sat's paper. We work very hard for you and the Citizen's of Albuquerque, risking our lives each day and this is how you constantly repay us!
Remember Chief, just because an incident is unsubstantiated does not mean it DIDN'T happen!
Did you spend anytime as an IA investigator, oh I forgot, you didn't. You have no investigative or field experience! How in the world did you ever become chief?
Your sure not a very good leader! Look at your morale!
How about having a little faith in your officers for a change!
Everyone that has worked with Sgt Montano knows he would not make up that stuff!
What type of Chief are you to continually do this to your officers!
The worse thing is , that you hired back all those dirty, retired, reject deputy Chiefs that could not gain employment elsewhere.
Will you ever take care of US?
Wow, that's great. Since your department is doing so well let's broaden the scope of your duties and burden you with additional responsibilities.
How about we bring over Chief Ortega over to APD from the fire dept. I'll bet he would trat us much better than schultz.
At least Ortega would get us a raise.
When half the department is related to the chief, I wouldnt call that kicking ass...fireboy
"we're kicking your ass" that may be so on a departmental level but it's totally irrelevant. In fact how insecure are you firefly? You're logging/reading on a blog focussing about the endless elements of frustration known as APD and you gloat about how squared away AFD is??? Good for you now shut up!
Hhaahahah, I love it. Just a few days into comments and the whimpy cops are at each others throats again. You all could stand to take a lesson from AFD. They don't air their dirty laundry in public. They present a united, professional front. Something the cops have never seemed to figure out. And by the way, before you go off 1/2 cocked on me, I'm not a firefighter, I'm an APD retiree...
I would like to see the Eye or Journal get an exact counting of the number of full time sworn APD officers as of today's date. That would mean names and where they work so it can be verified. I think it will show around 900.
If that is true what will happen to all those who made the promise of 1100 by the years end?
Not that I'm the biggest supporter of Ron, though he's growing on me, I have some questions for the gallery here:
Where were you when the position of APOA President was vacant?
Where were you the last go around when Ron ran unopposed?
Where were you in nominating anybody?
Where were you when the membership ratified the contract at the Academy?
You're so vocal now but when everybody was gathered and Lawrence presented that contract not one person asked a real question. Not one and yes that includes myself.
I think its great that there's dissent and disagreement, just put together some thought not just junior high throw-downs and comebacks.
As for the other unions and that goddamn firefly that shows up here...when your department is shrinking in size, when structures are burning without any suppression people on scene, and people are dying in the street without any EMS people on scene, and the garbage is sitting on the street not having been picked up for two weeks we'll listen and support your cause. But if offering a pay/benefits and retention package makes APD the envy of city employment the necessary action to turn this mess around, you will not get an apology from me.
With Marty now looking at one of two options for public sector employment (don’t kid yourself if you think he’s unelectable as Mayor…though he very well may go for Wilson’s seat) maybe he’s inclined to get APD in order. Frankly I don’t think he gives a shit, but I also don’t think having a firesale is great for any negotiations. If you want to do that, then show up at the next meeting and put forward a motion it really is that simple.
I like how firegirl says they got all this money to budget for new command positions, notice she didnt say anything about the afd troops who are making 9$ per hour. Taking care of the top heavy brass...It seems firegirl made most of these posts and is totally frustrated. I for one will continue to support all of the hardworking personnel whether fire or police......its too bad that people like firegirl reside in afd and apd management
Now,now, settle down. Those of you who could remember, Bob Stover's reign was at least honorable and the cops were happy to go to work and proud of their department and never had to worry about the Chief or uneducated, worthless DC's screwing them at every turn.( Desperate Housewive's is right)
RIGHT THE F_ _ k ON BRO.
Chief Stover wouldn't have any of the current DCs on his staff. He'd bust them all down to Sgt. where they belong.
Does that mean that if I already paid into the Marty fund and obtained my desired rank, that have to keep giving?
Yes you fool. But instead of Marty, you now must pay Ray to keep your cush job. I think that is made very clear in your new union manuel. It's listed under the title, 'Castro Entitlement'.
It seems to me there were people that warned us about Lawrence, but the APOA turned their backs on them. We deserve what we get for not listening to real APD officers who saw what was coming.
Mr. Wolf you hit the nail right on the head, everyone loves to sit back and bitch; but when push comes to shove the “ I don’t have enough time” line comes up. All of you cops out there need to seriously look around and decide if you want to get screwed over for the rest of your career, if so continue to post on this blog and make calls from the sidelines. If you want things to change get involved in your association and make a difference, right now there are about 10 people deciding on what the best course is for the rank and file. Judging by attendance at the last meeting 95% of you could give a shit about what happens on a daily basis in the department unless it involves your paycheck or your pending IA case. Wake the fuck up people!!! You’re getting screwed because you let yourselves get screwed, quit fighting and bickering against each other and stand up for yourselves. We are our own worst enemy, take your calls DO NOT C4 your 82 and let the citizens of Albuquerque know how much they need us, let the calls stack and remind the political hacks that they created this problem and they can fix it.
No MC, you do not have to give anymore money, unless you plan on promoting higher?
However, the little one said, heads will roll if he does not get his 1100 officers. Which we both know and you have stated will not happen.
So you might be looking for a job, as the mayor is going to be pretty pissed off from here out.
Good luck
When the APD reports the number of officers that it has in the up coming weeks, the media must look carefully at the numbers reported.
First, look to see how many officers are retiring and have already left, but are still carried on APD's books as working. Many of the officers early out and are on vacation or comp until they retire. APD lists these oficers, as working, although they are on early retirement.
In addition, the media can request a list of all the officers that intend to retire and have submitted a letter of intent to retire within the next few months.
Cross check it with the officers that are listed as working, but use caution, as APD can doctor these lists.
Next, check to see where these officers are assigned and if they are taking calls, on a desk or listed as partime officers.
APD has a habit of counting partime officers/CSAs that do not take calls for service, but serve in an administrative capacity, like at the range, evidence, etc.
To verify if officers are where APD admin indicates they are, look at area command line ups, which are produced daily. This will show you who is actually assigned to a particular substation.
APD Operations Review can tell you exactly where every officers is assigned and what status they are on, such as military, FMLA, etc. They track this daily.
There are a lot of citizens reading and commenting as well on this blog. To say let the calls stack up and teach us a lesson or whatever,is not,I repeat is NOT the way to handle this. The Citizens appreciate what you guys do very much, it's the Mayor and the APD hierarchy that is the problem.
Keep up the good police work, keep your chin up, the calvery IS coming.
Give it time.
the cavalry is riding some very slow burros
calvery? as in calvery chapel? Oh yeah, I'd put my faith in that guy.....
Wolf is right at least about the union part. If nobody shows up @ meetings 'cuz they "don't have the time" the suits will do what they want when they want. Other city dept. unions are a good example of this. There's strength only in numbers. Admin. is already trying to "de-unionize" so many city jobs - just take a look at the "new" categories that are not union positions. Didn't they recently take the Lt. position out of the union category?
It would be nice to hear from the APOA.
They never update the troops.
Could that Cavalry be Ms. Chavez de Aragon riding in to fix all the problems that her husband, Marty and Ray created as mayor and police chief.
'Da fifth floor
...got it's mind on 'da money and 'da money on it's mind.......
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