The New Bedford Police Union has stated that officers have now gone 850 days without a new contract while continuing to respond to calls, investigate serious crimes, seize firearms and drugs, and serve the city.
According to the union, more than ten officers have resigned since August, with additional departures expected. The union said the officers leaving are not solely seeking higher pay or lighter workloads elsewhere; rather, they are choosing departments that they believe place greater value on their experience. The union linked the exits to the lack of a settled contract and related issues.
The union acknowledged a past 12 percent offer that it rejected, explaining that the city sought concessions the membership viewed as excessive. It noted that negotiations involve give-and-take but that excessive concessions would leave officers at a disadvantage…