Miami-Dade Police and correctional officers voted to ratify the proposed contract between the Police Benevolent Association and the county on Monday.
The contract is part of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez plan to cut $239 million from 10 employee unions. Almost one-third of the cuts will come from the Miami-Dade Police department.
More than 90 percent of officers voted to approve the contract which means that veteran officers will be taking on serious sacrifices to their salary so that their newer colleagues won't be left without a job this holiday season.
If the contract had not been approved by union members, then layoffs would have been a for sure thing according to Miami-Dade Police Director Jim Loftus.
"We have been asked to give much more than any other employee, we took one for the team," said PBA President John Rivera.
One of the requirements under the new deal will require officers to pay $50 every two weeks for their take-home vehicle. They will also receive a pay cut to their overtime for court appearances and holiday shifts, according to The Miami Herald.
"It's kind of a bittersweet deal, we get assaulted more than anyone else, and die more than anyone else," Rivera said. "I hope this community realizes how much we have given and continue to give day in and day out. All we ask for in return is their support."
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The next step is for the Miami-Dade Commission to vote on the ratified contract, but Rivera said that he is hopeful that it will pass.
