The union representing Stockton police officers and sergeants has an ace in the hole in its drive to finally get a new contract — and it just told the city it’s prepared to play it.
It’s Measure N, passed by voters a year ago, amended the city charter to allow the police and firefighters unions to take their contact disputes to an independent “board of arbitrators” for binding decision. The unions pushed for it and three Stockton city councilmembers penned the argument against it, warning it would take budget decisions out of their hands.
The Stockton Police Officers Association, which has gone five months without a contract, warned this week that it has submitted its “last, best and final offer.” Now, it said, it’s prepared to turn to Measure N…