WTAE reports that city police officers who believe Beyonce is anti-police are planning to boycott the singer’s May 31 concert at Heinz Field, and the union said it will file a labor complaint if the city forces them to work the secondary employment.
FOP President Robert Swartzwelder said Friday that he is not taking a position on Beyonce, and the union is not calling for a boycott; rather, officers are posting on the FOP website saying that no one should work the show.
The basis for an unfair labor practice complaint would be if the city forces on-duty officers to work the concert, which is a voluntary employment, Swartzwelder said.
When asked Friday about the planned boycott, Police Chief Cameron McLay said he did not realize there was an issue.
When asked if he would appoint on-duty officers to work the secondary employment, he responded, “Yes, we have to police the streets of Pittsburgh.”
Beyonce is touring in support of her “Lemonade” album, which debuted last month at No. 1 on the Billboard chart. The video for the album’s first single, “Formation,” has been criticized by some as anti-police, with its references to racism and police brutality. Her performance of “Formation” at Super Bowl 50 also drew a mixed reception.