Crime & Safety

VIDEO: Police Picket Over Lack of Contract

Hampton officers and family members rallied outside the station Saturday as a way to raise awareness about unsuccessful negotiations.

Roughly 60 police officers, friends, family members and local supporters weathered a little rain Saturday morning to show Hampton they are no longer willing to let the contract negotiation impasses wash over them.

Members of the Hampton Police Association respectfully held signs that read "6 Yrs! No Contract Support, No Good!" and others while standing outside the Brown Avenue as a way to warn individuals attempting to become a part-time officer "," according to union President Joe Jones.

Jones, a Hampton sargeant, said the last contract was in 2006 and the town hasn't shown much support for a new deal in the years since, as voters rejected contract proposals in 2008 and 2009 and negotiations have since reached an impasse.

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The town and the union are set to meet at at 2 p.m. Wednesday, although Jones said it was important to picket Saturday to let the roughly 70 individuals taking the department's annual examinations that there have been no raises in years and part-time officers only make $13.16 an hour.

The above video showcases what Jones called an "informational rally" to raise that awareness. Jones said the day was successful, as at least a few dozen of the 70 test-takers didn't enter the station after listening to the message of the picketers, which also included firefighters and other town employees.

Find out what's happening in Hampton-North Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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