Capitol Police labor union says officers being forced to go on leave without pay this month

A Capitol Police labor union says officers are being required to go on leave without pay this month.

“This is outrageous, and a prime example of mismanagement by the Department and Chief Manger," Union Chairman Gus Papathanasiou said in a press release Wednesday. 

"We don’t have enough personnel to meet mission requirements, so the Department forces officers to work excessive overtime, routinely working 6 days a week and pulling double shifts to protect the Capitol complex," the release continued. 

You can read the press release here: 

The Capitol Police Department did not immediately respond Thursday morning to requests for comment.

Papathanasiou says that the officers are involuntarily being placed on leave without pay for exceeding the department's pay cap. 

“This problem is entirely of the Department’s making," he wrote. "Our officers have stepped up to fill the demand to work harder and longer and this is the thanks they get? Our Officers are part of a team that is essential to protecting the Capitol, the Members of Congress and all their staff. All Officers should be treated equally – not one should be sent home without pay.”