December 16, 2000

Cops Ask State Help In Contract Talks

By JoAnne Wasserman

The union representing city cops declared contract talks with the city hopelessly deadlocked yesterday and asked state labor officials to intervene.

The Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, whose contract with the city expired July 31, has filed papers asking the state Public Employees Relations Board to step in, President Patrick Lynch said.

The PBA has charged that the city's 29,000 cops are dramatically underpaid, making it difficult to attract and retain officers.

City officials would not comment, saying they had not reviewed the PBA's papers.