Fort Myers Police Union experiences contract standstill amid officer shortage

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police shortage
Fort Myers police vehicle (CREDIT: WINK News)

The Fort Myers Police Union is protesting for higher pay for their officers, saying the current salary is causing a shortage of active-duty officers on the field.

The Union is asking for a $5 per hour increase for officers.

Another issue is that 911 operators are operating at 60% staffing, which means officers have to leave their current positions to fill in dispatcher gaps.

Due to the pay discrepancy, officers are leaving for other agencies. On average, the department pays more than $100,000 to hire, train and purchase equipment per new hire.

The police union has been negotiating contracts with the City of Fort Myers for nearly a year and a half.

The difference between what the union wants and what the city offers is roughly $600,000.

The union is encouraging Fort Myers residents to contact the City Manager’s Office to support the police union.

Union representatives will be at the Fort Myers City Hall at 8 a.m., Wednesday to discuss pay negotiations with the city.

WINK NEWS spoke with Jon Price, the President of the Fort Myers, about why the pay increase is important.

“We are the lowest-paid agency in this area. We are 10 to $15,000, behind our competitors. During that time, we’ve lost several members,” said Price. “What we’re asking for is a $5 an hour raise. That seems like a lot, but it only makes us about third in the area for pay to be competitive for recruiting.”

The next negotiation meeting between the union and the city will be on Nov. 27.

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