Members of Denver’s police union today approved contract concessions designed to help the city close a projected $56 million budget gap.
Vince Gavito, the president of the union, said 87 percent of the members voted for the cuts.
The package will suspend for this year premium holiday pay that officers receive for working on certain holidays. The officers also will lose some compensation they receive for equipment and uniforms. Officers also will do without the day off they receive on their birthday or extra pay they get for working on a birthday.
Gavito has said the Hickenlooper administration agreed to reimburse the police in 2010 or 2011.
Firefighters are scheduled to vote today and Friday on similar contract concessions.
The union representing sheriff’s deputies rejected Hickenlooper’s request that the deputies also accept concessions. The mayor then fired 11 sheriff’s deputies, but efforts are underway to bring the deputies back by extending a 30-hour unpaid furlough program to 40 hours.
Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747 or cosher@denverpost.com
