Las Vegas Police Union Polls Members on Potential Strike

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Las Vegas police officers gather to discuss the implications of a recent union poll regarding a potential strike.

News Summary

The Las Vegas Police Protective Association has conducted a poll regarding the possibility of a strike due to rising mandatory retirement contributions. Results remain undisclosed as negotiations with the Metropolitan Police Department are anticipated. Officers express concern over pay decreases stemming from retirement contribution hikes, coinciding with an upcoming cost-of-living raise. Union discussions reveal frustrations with the current compensation structure, amidst regulations preventing public safety strikes. The situation is fluid, with public opinion and local official support becoming critical in shaping outcomes.

Las Vegas — The Las Vegas Police Protective Association (LVPPA) has completed a poll concerning the potential for a strike among its members, amid increasing concerns over mandatory retirement contributions. The poll, which concluded on Friday, did not clarify whether union members would authorize a work stoppage. Union President Steve Grammas announced the completion of the poll and indicated that expanded negotiations with the Metropolitan Police Department (Metro) are anticipated.

Details about the outcome of the poll and the specific negotiation status have not been disclosed. A statement outlining subsequent steps for LVPPA members is expected to be released next week. The poll serves as a response to a proposed increase in mandatory retirement contributions to the deferred compensation retirement plan that, if enacted, would lead to a notable decrease in officers’ take-home pay.

This financial imposition comes at a sensitive time, particularly since the current collective bargaining agreement between Metro and LVPPA is set to expire on June 30, 2026. The controversy over retirement contributions reflects growing concerns among police officers about their compensation packages and is compounded by a forthcoming 2.6% cost-of-living raise effective in July. While the raise is intended to assist officers financially, it may be offset by the increased retirement contributions, resulting in an effective pay decrease of approximately 2%.

The union’s poll presented members with several options: to commence a strike on July 4, utilize sick leave, report for duty but refuse to leave the briefing room, or do nothing and accept the pay reduction. However, under Nevada law, public safety employees, including police officers, are prohibited from striking. Any participation in a strike could lead to severe penalties for the union and its members, including potential fines and state-issued injunctions aimed at preventing such actions.

In addition to the financial impacts stemming from the retirement contribution hike, Grammas expressed frustrations related to the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). The contribution rate for police and fire employees is set to increase to 58.75% of gross pay, and this change will be evenly divided between employees and employers. Consequently, officers may see a significant reduction in their monthly income.

Historically, labor actions among public safety employees have faced strict legal regulations. Previous incidents, such as an illegal strike by the Clark County Education Association in 2023, resulted in disruptive operational challenges for the district. Suggestions for alternative forms of protest, such as a “blue flu” or strategic sickouts, have emerged within the union following the poll.

Public perception and support will be pivotal for the success of any potential actions taken by the LVPPA. The sentiment of city and county officials will also play an essential role, as union leaders have noted a lack of support regarding necessary pay raises to balance the financial impact of the PERS increases. Sheriff Kevin McMahill has echoed this sentiment, indicating that officers should not have to endure pay losses as a result of policy changes.

With the possibility of negotiations progressing, the situation between Metro and the police union remains “fluid,” according to a statement from Clark County spokeswoman Jennifer Cooper. As local officials largely remain unavailable for comment, the outcome of these discussions and the potential for action from the LVPPA remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding police officer compensation and working conditions in Las Vegas.