A “Back Nevada Blue” rally is being held this morning at the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City. It is hosted by the Nevada Police Union, which includes state troopers, parole and probation officers, fire marshals, detectives, game wardens, park rangers, university police, capitol police, agricultural police, dispatchers, and retired state police.
The rally begins at 9 a.m. and is being held at the Nevada Law Enforcement Memorial. Immediately following the rally, there will be a Board of Examiners meeting with members Gov. Steve Sisolak, Attorney General Ford, and Secretary of State Cegavske. The BOE will vote to approve or deny a collective bargaining agreement that aims to improve pay and working conditions for state police.
Attendees will walk to the State Capitol at 10 a.m. to attend the BOE meeting (Old Assembly Chambers of the Capitol Building at 101 North Carson Street Carson City.
According to a news release, the Nevada Police Union says it is holding the rally to bring attention to pay disparity and poor working conditions for state police that has resulted in record-high turnover and vacancy rates. NPU has been in contention with the state for a collective bargaining agreement that, if enacted, would bring some financial relief, better working conditions, and training to a strained state-police workforce.
In the last two years, the state has increased the Public Employees’ Retirement System cost, increased health insurance cost, reduced the uniform allowance, and mandated furlough days. Most notably, state police are currently paid 25 to 50 percent below their counterparts at the city and county level.
The state, represented by the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, fought an arbitrator’s August 2021 decision to award the NPU a CBA article on compensation, according to the release. The article includes a two percent raise for Category I state police officers and added compensation increases for continued education, training and degrees. In December 2021, the matter was heard by District Court Judge Russell of Department I in Carson City, Nevada. Judge Russell ruled from the bench in favor of NPU, agreeing with the arbitrator’s decision and awarding NPU’s compensation article.
Judge Russell ordered the state to submit a CBA that reflects the arbitrator’s decision to the BOE. In addition, the judge sanctioned the state to pay for NPU’s attorney fees and costs. NPU members ratified the CBA in December and have requested the BOE to approve the contract, which has been agendized for consideration at the Tuesday, March 8, 2022 meeting. For more information see BackNevadaBlue.org.
