Police union demands resolution by semester's end

By Joshua Marks

As they are not legally bound to a contract, the Yale police members are open to the possibility of going on strike. "We have to do what we're going to do, be it a strike vote [or something else]," Morganti said. The Administration emphasized that it definitely wants to avoid a police strike. "It would be a serious mistake.... We never want a strike," Assistant Vice President of the Administration Peter Vallone noted.

In addition to a strike, the union is also considering demonstrating at Communiversity Day, the next Yale Corporation meeting, Bulldog Days, and Commencement. A public debate between Yale administrative and police union negotiators is also tentatively scheduled for Thurs., Apr. 2.

The YPBA has already sent a strong message that it wants to settle, albeit on its own terms. On Sat., Feb. 14, 25 officers called in sick. This has been interpreted by the Administration as an unofficial job action. "I'm sure it had an effect on negotiations," Morganti observed.

After more than 20 months of trying to reach an agreement, many in the police union feel that the battle for an acceptable contract won't be settled in bargaining room. Morganti said that he agrees with the assessment made by the chief union negotiator during the UPS strike: "It's what happens away from the table that makes the deal." Morganti explained, "Because there's only so few things left, a face-to-face probably wouldn't have much of a result...if Yale wants to move on [one of the items left], I'm sure we can reach an agreement."

These items have been whittled down to pensions and disabilities. The union wants its officers to receive pension after retiring at 50 and not the proposed 55 years of age. Related to this issue, the union also wants the cumulative years of work and retirement age needed to receive benefits to equal 65 years rather than 70.

Officers are also demanding that the disabilities package resemble that of a regular police force. According to Morganti, "A normal disabilities [package] is an integral part of the police plan." Although they are willing to work within the framework of the proposed Yale insurance plan, the union wants disability benefits to cover accidents off-duty as well as in the line of duty.

Much of the debate revolves around the greater role the police force has recently taken. Since the signing of their last contract in 1988, the officers have moved from a security force to a police force and are now responsible for covering Yale property over the entire city of New Haven. Morganti speculates that 70 to 80 percent of their police work done at night deals with New Haven and not Yale.

The Administration, however, feels that its proposed disabilities and pension package is more than adequate. Tom Conroy, deputy director of public affairs, pointed out that no other type of employee enjoys as many benefits as Yale's officers. But officer and union negotiator John Grottole maintained the YPBA's stance: "We don't think we're asking for anything that's unfair--we put our lives on the line."

The Administration remains committed to settling only on its terms. "They're going to have to bite the bullet" on the debated issues, Vallone said of the union's proposed contractual changes. But speaking for the rest of union members, Grottole said, "I think the guys are pretty firm in what they need."

Given this disagreement, it's not surprising that neither side has made much progress in reaching an agreement on either pensions or disabilities. Although the union chief negotiator Bob Krzys and Yale chief negotiator James Juhas have met informally throughout this week, Morganti noted that, "presently not much is going on."

In the meantime, union rank-and-file is getting more and more impatient. Officer Martin Pitoniak said of the Administration, "They're good negotiators and obviously want to get out as cheaply as they can."

"Morale is very low," Grottole remarked. "There's a lot of frustration among the ranks." In the same vein, Morganti observed, "Morale is...directly tied to the fact that there's no contract."

Back to News...