Atlantic City's police union files suit after state orders major pay cuts

Atlantic City's police union has decided to take its fight to the courts the same day major changes to the contract, including pay cuts and increased hours. PBA President Matt Rogers said the union held off on filing suit, as the firefighters did, in hopes that a deal would come. But instead of receiving a counter offer in ongoing negotiations, police were surprised with a five-page order Tuesday that calls for pay cuts, a loss in longevity pay and educational incentives, and increase in hours. The changes were to take effect Wednesday. The move came on the day the governor declared a state of emergency with all courts closed. All while firefighters are still awaiting the outcome of their own case, which Assignment Judge Julio Mendez is still finalizing, according to his office. That is not expected to come until at least Friday. The police filing is similar to the fire one, Rogers said. "We tried everything humanly possible to balance protecting our members and doing what's best for the city," he said. "But the state seemed to not be concerned with either." The decision was not an easy one, Rogers said. "We did everything we possibly could to work with the state," he said. "But it became clear Tuesday that they had no real intention to work with us, do what's best for the city or protect public safety in this town."