Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

North Las Vegas OKs police supervisors bargaining unit

Updated Monday, Nov. 8, 2010 | 4:33 p.m.

The North Las Vegas Police Supervisors Association has formed its own bargaining unit, separate from officers who do not hold the rank of sergeant or lieutenant.

Sgt. Leonard Cardinale, who has been with the North Las Vegas Police Department for almost 14 years, will be the president of the new bargaining group.

Cardinale said that a “natural separation” usually occurs within police unions between supervisors and officers. At some point, he says, the separation is best for both sides because the groups have different needs.

“Supervisors are closer to the end of their careers than most officers are, so they might be more interested in what happens at the end of their careers,” Cardinale said.

Cardinale said he didn’t want to expound on what needs were different between younger and older officers and sergeants, but said “most people can probably think through that,” and figure out what they would be.

The 56-member group has not yet had their first general membership meeting, he said. After that, Cardinale said, the group will know how they will move forward with their relationship with the city.

“We’re looking to have a good business relationship with everyone that works with our association,” he said.

On Oct. 6, the group requested recognition from the city as an “employee organization” and “exclusive bargaining agent.” The City Council voted unanimously and without discussion Wednesday to approve its separation.

North Las Vegas’ three largest unions — firefighters, police and Teamsters — have been in ongoing talks with city officials. The city is trying to address a $35 million deficit expected to develop by July 1, 2012, if no changes are made.

At a council meeting Oct. 20, Acting City Manager Maryann Ustick announced a budget-reduction plan that included cutting 251 full-time positions, including 144 from the Teamsters, 33 firefighters, and 36 police officers.

Many of the other positions cut were already vacant and left unfilled, Ustick said in her presentation.

The council, with one dissenting vote by Mayor Shari Buck, voted Nov. 1 to approve the plan and allow the city to go ahead with layoffs. The unions, however, still have time to make concessions.

The Teamsters put together a tentative agreement that is expected to pass Thursday. The agreement will save the 144 union jobs.

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