Fort Myers police union demands higher pay to retain officers

FORT MYERS - The Fort Myers Police Department union is making it clear that higher pay and better benefits are crucial, not just requests.

Union President Jari Sanders said, "Unfortunately, it makes them start to look elsewhere." He emphasized that it's about retaining officers, not just pay or benefits.

Since October, the department has lost over 17 members, including dispatchers and officers. Sanders said, "That number is only going to continue to grow until we get something done."

Negotiations between the union and the city have been ongoing since last fall. The union is pushing for competitive pay, as studies show Fort Myers officers earn about 18% less than the average officer in Florida.

Sanders said, "The union is just asking for competitive wages comparable to what the city showed us."

The city declined to comment on the negotiations, citing the sensitivity of the matter. If no decision is reached by Tuesday, the discussion will move to a magistrate.