Video of Coral Gables FOP silent protest at City Hall Commission Meeting

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This message has been posted by the Coral Gables FOP, Lodge #7.

Coral Gables Police FOP union displays strong presence and opposition to proposed contract issues at Coral Gables City Commission meeting

The membership and supporters of Coral Gables FOP Lodge #7 arrived at Coral Gables City Hall and their presence and displeasure of potential contract issues was clearly seen and felt. The Coral Gables FOP is strongly opposed to a proposed 7.5% wage reduction as well as other contractual issues the City of Coral Gables has intimated it wants to cut from the police department union contract. All levels of the rank in file to include investigations, specialized units, and patrol were in attendance demonstrating that these issues are department wide and affect the Coral Gables Police Department and the City as a whole. "The large turnout is a sign that the FOP of Coral Gables rallies for itself. When the call came to show our position the membership stepped up quickly and decisively. This is not an issue that any resident or business in Coral Gables should take lightly." said one t-shirt wearing FOP member. The Union members were civil, polite and often times in the bursting at the seams chambers were seen holding doors for attendees and giving up their seats to residents. FOP President John Baublitz spoke briefly before the City Commission before leading his membership out of the chambers.

This message has been posted by the Coral Gables FOP, Lodge #7.

Coral Gables Police Protest Proposed Pay Cut: Silent Protest Held Outside City Hall

By Gio Benitez
CBS4 Miami

Talk of a pay cuts for the Coral Gables Police Department is not sitting well with the rank and file.

On Tuesday dozens of officers and members of the police union marched into City Hall in a silent protest during the city commission's budget meeting. They're protesting a proposal which would cut their salaries by seven and a half percent, their pensions by half.

Fraternal Order of Police union spokesman John Baublitz said if the cut goes through it would have a negative impact on the city.

"There'll be less patrol men on the streets, less detectives investigating crimes," said Baublitz. "You'd have less safe neighborhoods and city."

Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick said he shares their concerns but the city is facing a $13 million budget shortfall for next year.

"It is true that we have to put in the proposal," said Slesnick before the budget meeting. "We are asking from higher contributions to pension plans and wage reductions."

Fraternal Order of Police spokesman Sergeant Randy Hoff said the Coral Gables Police Department is one of the lowest paying police departments in the county and a lot of officers are considering going to other agencies.

"We're concerned it's not going to attract the quality of officers it has in the past, we already have some of the most stringent hiring requirements," said Hoff. "We require a college education and now we won't even be close to competitive with other agencies."

Elena Linares, who owns a barber shop in the Miracle Mile, is worried that if the cuts go through there won't be officers to protect her business at night.

"We can't afford, we can't afford to have that happen," said Linares.

Commissioners will hold their final vote on the police contracts on August 31st.

This message has been posted by the Coral Gables FOP, Lodge #7.

Coral Gables FOP has large turnout at Coral Gables City Commission Meeting

Coral Gables FOP Lodge #7 had a huge turnout of current and retired members at the City Commission Meeting held at Coral Gables City Hall. "We greatly appreciate the support of the membership and the community." said FOP President John Baublitz

This message has been posted by the Coral Gables FOP, Lodge #7.