East St. Louis cops suing for $891,000 in back pay

EAST ST. LOUIS -- East St. Louis police say they're owed at least nearly $900,000 in back pay over three years, and they're suing to get it.

As an attorney for the Fraternal Order of Police Council representing the local lodge, Rick Stewart says that figure is what city officials provided last month.

He sued in St. Clair County Circuit Court last week on behalf of the officers, saying their patience with the city has run out.

The lawsuit also seeks interest on the back pay, plus court and legal fees.

Stewart says the officers' contract expired in December 2005. Stewart says negotiations on a new contract have stalled.

City Manager Robert Betts says officers are to get the back pay in full by the end of the month.