SAN ANTONIO – In an update in the ongoing contract negotiations between the city and the San Antonio Police Officers Association, Mayor Ron Nirenberg met with the president of the police union on Monday.
SAPOA President Danny Diaz in a statement described the talk as a “great meeting” and said they had a productive discussion about public safety issues and the direction of the city.
“The mayor reiterated his support for collective bargaining. Mayor Ron Nirenberg and I are both committed to working together for a safe, stronger, San Antonio,” Diaz said in the press release.
A main point of contention has been the repeal of police officers’ collective bargaining rights.
Officer discipline has been the main focus of the contract negotiations, as the current contract is set to expire later this year.
Voters will be able to vote on Proposition B in May, which would repeal the police department’s collective bargaining rights if approved.
The SAPOA has urged voters to oppose Prop B, calling it a threat and a form of defunding. Organizations in favor of Prop B, like Fix SAPD, say the repeal is about officer accountability and argues the bargaining rights protect bad officers.
Nirenberg released a statement saying that while he agrees on the need to reach a new contract quickly, he does not want to “rush at the expense of getting a fair agreement.” The mayor refused to take a stance on Prop B.
“My focus is on reaching a sound agreement – not the timing of the vote,” Nirenberg said. “I am staying out of the fray on the ballot proposal because the city must negotiate the contract in good faith under the rules that exist today. Our main goal is to give Chief McManus the disciplinary powers he needs to weed out bad cops.”
Election Day is scheduled for May 1.
This is a developing story. Stay with KSAT12 both online and on-air for more information.