The Pittsburgh police union plans to file a grievance after it says some officers were forced to work traffic details for the Beyonce concert Tuesday night.
The union said that 32 officers from different zones throughout the city were forced to work traffic details before and after the concert because not enough officers signed up for the voluntary off-duty detail, according to WPXI-TV.
Bob Swartzwalder, the Fraternal Order of Police president, told the news station that forcing officers to work the concert is a violation of their contract.
"This is strictly an issue of secondary employment and the officers' right to choose what type of secondary employment they engage in," he said.
While some of the officers reportedly didn't wish to volunteer do to the singer's "anti-police" lyrics, Swartzwalder stressed that the issue is strictly about staffing and the fact that there aren’t enough officers to work every detail.
Earlier this month, the city also forced officers to work the Pittsburgh Marathon. The union already filed an unfair labor practice over that event, and now they plan to file another for the concert.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Cameron McLay released the following statement:
"Large public events have a significant impact on the surrounding communities with respect to traffic flow, congestion and potential quality of life disorder stemming from larger numbers of people visiting the area.
"From a Homeland security standpoint, such events require extra police protection from the potential for far more serious safety threats as well. Police have the responsibility to preserve the quality of life for the communities we police, as well as the safety and security of those coming here to visit.
"The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police remains fully committed to providing the highest quality of service to our residents and guests. We have taken great pains to ensure our staffing decisions are within the confines of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Any questions about contractual issues for staffing and scheduling will be fully vetted in the appropriate legal venues."
