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When officers with the Escondido Police Department in California learned the city council voted to eliminate 401(k) contributions and longevity pay hikes, union officials responded by mailing a flyer to 17,000 homes in the city. According to a story by North County Times reporter David Garrick, the flier used crime statistics and pictures of an El Salvadoran gang in an effort to persuade residents that compensation cuts for police would be a bad idea. The flier also accused city officials of negotiating with its unions in bad faith and making poor decisions with taxpayer money.
The attorney representing the union told council members they should expect more of these same tactics if they cut police salaries and benefits as a way to balance the budget. Critics say the Escondido union is using tactics developed by a San Bernardino County labor attorney that recommends police labor unions “annoy decision-makers” and “chastise them for their lack of concern for public safety.”
It also suggests the union act “like a quiet giant in the position of ‘do as I ask and don’t piss me off.’” Michael Guerrero, president of the Escondido police union, said he has never been to the web site where the strategies and tactics are outlined, and that he prefers to negotiate based on facts and statistics instead of intimidation and threats. The controversial website (www.policeattorney.com/newsletters-94.htm) is hosted by attorney Dieter Dammeier, whose firm represents 120 police unions in California.
Guerrero says he has never been to the site, but that he does listen carefully to tactical suggestions from his attorney and sees no problem with aggressively criticizing city officials for positions they take or mistakes they make. “I reject some suggestions and accept others,” he said. Dammeier, a former police officer, is holding firm.
In a meeting with the city council after the first flyer was mailed, he told the council members they should be expect more of the same. “This police association is going to continue to educate the community about the lack of public safety being prioritized,” Dammeier said.
“This flier was just the beginning.” But some city councilors have labeled the recommendations on the website “deplorable” and “shocking.” City Councilman Dick Daniels told North County Times reporter Garrick that, in his opinion, some of the tactics are reprehensible. “It’s a game plan that goes beyond what is civil,” Daniels said.
“I hope whatever they do in the future is not racial and does not create undue fear.” Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites        
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