CAMPUS NEWS BRIEFS: Friday, September 10, 1999

Shoe store kicks open doors in retail complex Steve Madden Shoes opened yesterday afternoon to early success, selling over 50 pairs of shoes and accessories in just a few hours, according to employees. "I'm so excited," College junior Josie Shin said. "I love shoes. It's about time we had something other than 9 & Co. I'll be coming back." The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, but the store may increase its hours soon. "I hope as word gets out people will continue to come in," the store manager said. "We're pleased with the turnout." Ma Jolie, a women's clothing store, is the next retail shop set to open in Sansom Common, the hotel and retail complex located on the 3600 block of Walnut Street. -- Sabrina Gleizer U., police union sign new three-year deal Late last month, the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 113, which represents University Police officers, reached a three-year labor agreement with the Division of Public Safety. The new collective bargaining deal will remain in effect until August 1, 2002. In a joint statement released by Public Safety and FOP 113, University Police Chief Maureen Rush said that "both parties are very satisfied with the result of this year's negotiations." FOP President Tony Ramos said that the 104-member police force was "very happy" with the deal. These latest negotiations were much less contentious than the last time the labor deal expired, in August 1997. Officers then worked without a contract for more than seven months during federally-mediated talks between the two sides. Neither side would comment on the specifics of the new deal. -- Rod Kurtz