Capitol Police, Union Finalize Collective Bargaining Agreement
Kent Nishimura | Getty
After 12 years of negotiations and legal battles, the United States Capitol Police (USCP) and their union representatives at the United States Capitol Police Labor Committee have reached an agreement. In a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the two organizations will establish protections and workplace conditions.
“I am glad we were able to come together so quickly on this CBA after Chief Manger was sworn in. It’s been a long road for me personally, with negotiations spanning the tenures of three USCP Chiefs,” stated Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou.
An unsealed Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) decision found that USCP committed multiple Unfair Labor Practices when it suspended the Union's collective bargaining agreement on March 20, 2020.
As Assistant Chief, Former Chief Sund used the pandemic as an excuse to suspend Police Officers' union rights, according to the union. USCP did not explain why it needed to suspend the entire CBA to either the union or Congress, who had specifically asked the union for a written explanation. As a result, Capitol Police Officers were left without information to prepare for the armed insurrection on January 6th, 2021.
“As a police chief for more than 20 years, I understand the importance of giving the frontline officers a voice in matters that impact them directly. This CBA does just that,” acknowledged USCP Chief Tom Manger.
As part of the new contract, USCP must notify officers in advance of additional duties, enhance wellness and resiliency services, and update personnel files and administrative procedures.
“This agreement underscores the fundamental right of frontline police officers to Union representation and to collectively negotiate for the conditions that guarantee their workplace security and the terms of their employment,” Papathanasiou continued.
In contrast to the previous CBA's three-year term, the new agreement will be in effect for six years.