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Police Union To Officers: Avoid Working Overtime On Labor Day Weekend

(CBS) -- Don't work voluntary overtime on a very busy holiday weekend.

That is the message from the Chicago police union to its members. The head of the union says it's about family and nothing else.

CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports.

A memo sent to members of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 says Labor Day weekend – Sept. 2 through Sept. 5 – should be considered "FOP Unity Days."

In an effort to "show unity and to protest the continued disrespect of Chicago Police Officers and the killings of Law Enforcement Officers across our country," the union advises members to refrain from volunteering for overtime assignments.

That would potentially mean fewer officers at high-profile locations such as McCormick Place and Navy Pier and areas often saturated with extra officers, like high-crime areas.

The head of the Chicago FOP says this is not a negotiation ploy or a job action. He says this is about one thing: officers spending time with their families.

"This is just about solidarity with each other and showing a sense of support of each other," Lodge 7 President Dean Angelo Sr. says. "We're not to be taken for granted. Our members are family people."

Brian Warner is a former Chicago Police officer and the chairman of Chicago Police Survivors. The organization is dedicated to helping officers cope after traumatic experiences.

"We never know if we're going to come home from work, so to spend the extra weekend and spend that quality time with your family, is far more important than going out and earning a couple dollars," he says.

Asked for a response to the union memo, Chicago Police issued this statement:

"Every single officer who serves our city on holiday weekends plays a valued and important role in keeping Chicago safe. We do not expect any disruption in operations for Labor Day weekend."

Officers can make time and a half, and sometimes more than that while working during a holiday weekend.

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