The Annapolis Police Union has rejected the city?s contract offer, saying the deal short-funded pension plans and benefits.
The union wanted a 10 percent increase in pension benefits for officers serving more than 20 years, according to the city, and the union?s demands would encourage senior officers to retire early and would deplete pension funding.
In what Annapolis Mayor Ellen Moyer called the city?s final offer, pensions for officers serving more than 28 years would increase, and senior officers would receive staggered incentives.
Pension payments for the next two years would be suspended, giving the officers a 3.5 percent pay hike.
Detective John White, chief shop steward for the union, said negotiations are continuing and would not comment further.
A flier distributed to police officers from the union said, “Annapolis is attempting to reduce benefits and use our pensions fund to pay for wage increases.”
State and city law prohibits the officers from striking, said Eric Palltell, the city?s independent labor attorney.
Moyer said in a statement she was disappointed in the contract rejection.
“I believe that our final proposal reflects our respect for the members of the Annapolis Police Department,” she said.
