Investigates

Pittsburgh Police union files complaint, claims arbitrator’s contract decision was fixed

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Police commanders had a closed-door meeting Wednesday with Mayor Bill Peduto to talk about the controversial city police union contract.

The union is upset with the arbitrator’s decision awarding officers a 16% over four years. They wanted more money up front, and they contend it was fixed.

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Many officers have expressed their frustrations.

“I think there are two sides to every story and one side has been very vocal, and the other side has not been so vocal publicly. And sooner or later the other side will come out and there will be a better understanding of the contract process,” said Wendell Hissrich, Pittsburgh public safety director.

Peduto has defended the decision, saying it was all done by the book.

Meanwhile, the police union filed a complaint with the American Arbitration Association in an effort to reverse the contract.