Providence Democratic Socialists Urge City Council to Oppose Proposed Salary Raises for Police

Providence Democratic Socialists Urge City Council to Oppose Proposed Salary Raises for Police

The Providence chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is calling on the Providence City Council to object the proposed salary raises for the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #3.

This week, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza joined FOP President Michael Imondi to sign a tentative contract agreement spanning a four-year term from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2023.

The pending contract requires officers to contribute an additional 5.5% of their salaries toward the city’s pension fund, totaling a 13.5% annual contribution. 

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In addition, the first three years of the contract provide 4.5% wage increases and the final year provides a 3.75% wage increase for all officers.

Democratic Socialists Want Police Defunded 

The Democratic Socialists in their release called the police racist. 

"The Mayor may argue that this proposal will decrease the city’s deficit; however, raising salaries and providing back-pay to police officers is not a logical step. Ultimately, this will not shrink the budget deficit considerably, and it supports an actively harmful, white supremacist institution," said the group in their release. 

"After a year marked by violent attacks against peaceful protesters, media, and legal observers by the Providence Police Department, and continued injustice for so many victims of police brutality, Providence DSA stands firmly against giving the Providence Police Department any more of our money," they continued.

The group is urging people to call Providence City Council members to opposed the contract.