Clothes don't make the cop, council rules

Montreal police can continue wearing camouflage pants on the job, the city's Essential Services Council has ruled.

Wearing jungle-print "camo" pants doesn't hamper police from carrying out their public duties, the council ruled Thursday night in response to a complaint from the force's chief, who said the union tactic jeopardizes officers' safety.

Police starting wearing camouflage Monday as a pressure tactic in their labour dispute with the city.

Officers took to wearing jeans and red baseball caps in July as a means to press the city to resolve the dispute, which has left police working without a contract for two years.

Police Chief Yvan Delorme appealed to the Essential Services Council this week, arguing camouflage is provocative in certain communities with high immigrant populations, where many people originate from war-torn or military dictator-controlled countries.

Mayor wants police back at table

The head of Montreal's police union, Yves Francoeur, said the decision is reassuring and officers plan to intensify pressure tactics to draw attention to their contract demands.

Salary is the main point of dispute, with police seeking better wages to reflect the dangers they face.

Mayor Gérald Tremblay said he hopes police will agree to new contract talks while recognizing the city's financial difficulties.

"I strongly want them to go back to the negotiation table," Tremblay said Friday.

"It is a question of respect. I want our police men and women to be respected, and I want them to send out a very clear signal that the perception of security in Montreal is our priority."

The city imposed a wage freeze on its workers a year ago to tackle its budget deficit.