Capitol Police Officers Union Signs Labor Agreement
WASHINGTON — Twelve years after their most recent labor pact expired the U.S. Capitol Police and the Labor Committee for frontline Capitol Police officers have reached an agreement on the key provisions of a new collective bargaining agreement.
Over the years, the negotiations have often been marked by conflict, litigation and, most recently, the shadow of the Jan. 6, 2021, siege at the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionist followers of former President Donald Trump.
But on Tuesday morning, it was all smiles as USCP Chief Tom Manger, Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou, Acting Assistant Chief of Uniformed Operations Sean Gallagher and Union Secretary Jodie Penny gathered to sign the new collective bargaining agreement.
“As a police chief for more than 20 years, I understand the importance of giving the frontline officers a voice in matters that impact them directly. This CBA does just that,” Manger said in a written statement.
“When I was named chief last year, one of my priorities was to quickly move these negotiations toward an agreement. I am pleased with the result and believe this lays the groundwork for the union and management to continue to work together to improve this department,” he said.
Papathanasiou credited Manger for working with the union to break the impasse.
“This agreement underscores the fundamental right of frontline police officers to union representation and to collectively negotiate for the conditions that guarantee their workplace security and the terms of their employment,” he said.
“I am glad we were able to come together so quickly on this CBA after Chief Manger was sworn in. It’s been a long road for me personally, with negotiations spanning the tenures of three USCP Chiefs. The new CBA is a good agreement and, in particular, I want to thank Union Secretary Jodie Penny and Acting Assistant Chief Gallagher for their hard work.”
The new agreement includes advanced notice to officers for scheduled additional duty, enhanced wellness and resiliency services and updates to personnel files and administrative procedures.
The new CBA will last six years, compared to the previous agreement’s three year term.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and at https://twitter.com/DanMcCue.
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