Petition for Support of Bradenton Police Officers 

To the Citizens of Bradenton, 

Thank you for taking the time to read this petition. Sadly, we, the affected officers of the Bradenton Police Department, have been left with no choice but to ask for your support. We did not want to escalate this situation, but after months of attempts to resolve this matter, we are forced to take this step. 

Since October 2023, we have been attempting to address an issue with our pay that remains unresolved, despite the clear terms of our contract and a ruling from an independent arbitrator. In September 2023, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and the City of Bradenton negotiated and signed a new contract. This contract was voted on by the members of the police union and passed overwhelmingly. However, following the signing of this agreement, many officers discovered they were still not being paid correctly according to their years of service—an issue that continues to affect us today. 

Some officers, despite having 12 or more years of service, remain at pay steps that do not reflect their actual years of service. To address this, the contract clearly states: "Effective the first full pay period in October 2023, ALL bargaining members shall be placed in the step that reflects their current completed years of service as of September 2023." Both the PBA’s attorney and the City’s attorney signed off on this language, which is clear and straightforward. 

Yet, when officers noticed discrepancies in their pay, the City of Bradenton failed to address the issue, and the City’s legal counsel suggested the union had "misinterpreted" the language—a claim that is both confusing and unsubstantiated. If the City disagreed with the language, why did they sign the contract? 

When it became clear the City would not rectify the situation, officers, with the support of the PBA, filed a grievance. After over a year of delays and legal back-and-forth, on November 12, 2024, an independent arbitrator, Theodore H. O’Brien, ruled in favor of the officers, stating: "The grievance is allowed." The City was directed to correct the pay discrepancies and honor the contract. 

Despite this, the City has ignored the ruling. When the City’s legal counsel asked the arbitrator to reconsider, Mr. O’Brien responded unequivocally: "The award issued on November 12, 2024, was clear on that point, and no further clarification is needed." 

Now, 15 months after the contract was signed and two months after the arbitrator’s ruling, the City of Bradenton has still not complied. In an unprecedented move, the City is appealing the decision—a decision they have already lost. This situation is not just a violation of our contract; it’s an insult to the officers who serve this community faithfully. 

By signing this petition, you are standing with the officers, detectives, and sergeants of the Bradenton Police Department. You are sending a message to the City of Bradenton that the ongoing violation of our collective bargaining agreement is unacceptable. 

We ask for your support in calling or emailing your city council members and other important officials to demand they uphold the contract, respect the ruling of the arbitrator, and do what is right for the men and women who serve our community. 

Bradenton’s finest are simply asking for what was agreed upon in the contract—a contract ratified by both the city and the union, and a ruling upheld by an independent arbitrator. 

Thank you for your support. Our commitment to you and the City of Bradenton remains unwavering. 

Sincerely,
One City, One Team. 

US Representative Vern Buchanan
Rep.Vern.Buchanan@mail.house.gov 

Governor Ron DeSantis
govenorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com 

Florida Senator Jim Boyd
boyd.jim.web@flsenate.gov 

Bill Gavano
galvano.bill.web@flsenate.gov 

City of Bradenton Mayor & Council 

Mayor Gene Brown - gene.brown@cityofbradenton.com
 
Ward 1 Jayne Kocker - jayne.kocher@bradentonfl.gov
 
Ward 2 Marianne Barnebey - marianne.barnebey@bradentonfl.gov
 
Ward 3 Josh Cramer - josh.cramer@bradentonfl.gov
 
Ward 4 Lisa Gonzalez Moore - lisa.moore@bradentonfl.gov
 
Ward 5 Pam Coachman -   pam.coachman@bradentonfl.gov