(West York, PA) – West York Council members voted last night to reverse a decision made earlier this year to accept bids from neighboring police departments to outsource the borough’s law enforcement to the lowest bidder and close the West York Police Department. The council also announced its intention to move forward with negotiations with Teamsters Local Union 776 in Harrisburg, Pa., to secure a new contract for the police officers.

The council was met with widespread opposition to its initial decision to eliminate the police department, as hundreds of community members turned out at the meeting to denounce the council’s plan and support their police department. Teamsters Local Union 776, which represents the 11 members of the police department, applauded the decision.

“I know I speak for every member of the West York Police Department when I say they are thrilled with the support they received from the community,” said Mario Eckert, Teamsters Local 776 business agent. “It was their support that opened the eyes of the council and led to this reversal. I look forward to sitting down with the council for meaningful negotiations that will lead to a contract that both sides can live with so that our members can continue to do what they do best – protect and serve the West York Borough.”

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook.

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