or several weeks now, we have been back at the bargaining table with the city. And this time, like in other rounds, we’d like to begin and end these latest contract talks at that table. As I have pointed out at the beginning of every negotiating round, reaching a negotiated settlement is the best way to get a contract.

The classic contract negotiations that are conducted in good faith by both sides happens something like this: Both sides open talks with proposals that usually leave them apart on salary increases, and other items. Then, in subsequent negotiations, each side makes incremental movement, until the differences between the sides disappear and a negotiated settlement becomes a reality.

But that scenario cannot be enacted if one side refuses to budge from its position — which is the negotiating policy the city has employed for rounds now. That sort of intransigence inevitably leads to impasse and binding arbitration.

In the negotiations that have already begun for a successor contract to the 2004-2006 deal recently awarded in arbitration, the PBA and the city have exchanged proposals and have conducted, at this writing, two formal bargaining sessions. While we sense a different, more collegial climate at the table, only time will tell whether that improved atmosphere will translate into a deal containing terms acceptable to the union.

There are numerous items under discussion that we would like to see resolved. Only with both parties’ consent will these goals be achieved.

As in past rounds, we ask for your continued support during this crucial contract-negotiating period. Your solid support has been critical in each of the last few rounds and has sent a strong message to the city and the arbitrators that it is imperative for us to continue to be moved along the road to being paid like professional police officers. Standing together and speaking in one voice strengthens our bargaining position.

We will keep you advised as the bargaining process plays out over the next weeks and, possibly, months. And we will continue to make every effort to obtain a favorable deal — at the negotiating table, if we have our way.

— Patrick J. Lynch, President