Government

Police Unions Express Frustration as Government Fails to Pay Salary Increases Owed Since 2019, Provide Uniform Allowances

The Bryan administration has failed to provide contractual salary increases to police officers negotiated years ago through a collective bargaining agreement, and law enforcement union heads are expressing frustration and disappointment that police officers, who put their lives at risk daily in service to the people, are being treated as such. The unions include the Law Enforcement Supervisors Union (LESU), Locals 118 and 119, and the Policeman’s Benevolent Association (PBA). According to the unions, the 2018 contracts stipulate that a pay step increase shall occur annually to all members under the agreement. However, LESU members have not received any increases since 2019. LESU also stated that the Virgin Islands Police Department on occasion would meet with the unions to make amendments to its contract, however, the union's leadership contends that it is difficult to agree to amend the contract in favor of the government when the government has failed to abide by the current agreeme...