Texas Border Business
Earlier today, City of McAllen Mayor Villalobos along with City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez welcomed representatives from the McAllen Professional Law Enforcement Association (MPLEA), including Sgt. Jesus Regalado, who is the union’s president, to officially sign the City of McAllen-MPLEA Collective Bargaining Agreement. The new CBA between the City of McAllen and the police union will stand for the next two years, through 2023.
“McAllen is the 7th safest city in the nation because of the hard work and dedication of the men and women in blue who everyday put their lives on the line for the security that we enjoy in this great city,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “This collective bargaining agreement between the City of McAllen and the McAllen police union represents not only our investment in their well-being, but also recognition for their hard work every day.”
“I’m really proud of the work that went into this effort because it was a great team that put this agreement together, for the benefit of the police officers and the City of McAllen,” Villalobos concluded.
“Our goal is to make sure that we take care of our first responders,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “Public safety and security for our entire community starts with ensuring our police officers are well compensated for the work that they do.”
“We thank everyone who supported our association’s efforts through not only the difficult year of 2020, but also this year’s negotiations,” said Sgt. Regalado. “This moment is bittersweet for us all after the recent anniversary of our brothers Officer Edelmiro Garza’s and Officer Ismael Chavez’ passing. We can only hope that they are proud of what was accomplished.”
Regalado continued, adding, “We feel that the agreements that were reached are fair for all and will help our police department grow and continue to get better. We extend our gratitude to the City of McAllen negotiating team, especially City Manager Roy Rodriguez. The city team members were all respectful throughout the process and understood the concerns of the police department staff. We will continue to respond to the call and work hard for our citizens of McAllen each day.”
McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez was also on hand for the CBA Signing Ceremony and added, “Anytime that we are able to enhance the pay and benefits of our police officers is a good day and today is one of those days.”
The official City of McAllen-MPLEA CBA was also witnessed by McAllen City Attorney Isaac Tawil and attested by McAllen City Secretary Perla Lara, who adds the official City of McAllen seal to the final document.
Also present at the signing ceremony were McAllen Assistant City Attorney Austin Stevenson, who was a critical member of the City of McAllen negotiating team and McAllen Police Officers Nancy Lopez and Moises Garcia, MPLEA board members and Lt. Michael Zellers, MPLEA member.
The City of McAllen-MPLEA Collective Bargaining Agreement was passed by 88% of the union membership.
