NORTHAMPTON — City police lieutenants have voted unanimously to unionize, joining forces with the department’s sergeants.
Together, the four lieutenants and seven sergeants comprise a bargaining unit of 11 members. Until now, the lieutenants were not a part of a police union.
The sergeants had belonged to the International Brotherhood of Police Officers. Their contract with the city expired Thursday, Lt. Alan Borowski said.
This allows for the new union, including lieutenants, to negotiate a new labor pact, Borowski said, adding that the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations certified the group June 1.
Borowski did not offer specifics about what led to to the lieutenants joining the union, but added that it was not driven by discontent with police administration. He did, however, cite a “communication breakdown” with the city and that “this was in our best interest.”
“We just wanted representation with the city,” Borowski said. “We really didn’t have a voice at the table. It’s just easier with union involvement.”
Police Chief Jody Kasper declined comment and referred all inquiries to the office of Mayor David Narkewicz.
Narkewicz said in an interview Thursday that he was unaware of any concerns voiced by police lieutenants.
“I respect and support their right to organize, and obviously I respect their choice to choose whatever (group) they want to unionize with,” Narkewicz said.
The sergeants had petitioned to join a new union — the New England Police Benevolent Association — when their old contract expired, so the timing was right to include the lieutenants, said Sgt. Victor Caputo, who was the president of the union when it was part of the International Brotherhood of Police Officers.
“We’re hoping (for negotiations to begin) as soon as possible,” Caputo said, adding that there were no significant issues in the past when it came to negotiating with just the sergeants. “We’re hoping that continues in the future. I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t.”
Michael Majchrowicz can be reached at mmajchrowicz@gazettenet.com or 413-585-5234.