PORAC Article

Negotiation Update
By: Dieter C. Dammeier
Lackie & Dammeier LLP

Azusa POA

             As a result of diligent effort by the Azusa Police Officers Association at the negotiating table, they will be brought to #1 in total compensation within the ten cities they utilize in their survey.  The result was a salary increase of 9.24% for Police Officers, 12% for Corporals and 12.7% for Sergeants.  The APOA agreed to take a portion of the salary increase and divert it to their cafeteria plan.  The City also agreed to do another survey July 1, 2005 and provide another increase based on the average increases in the other survey cities, which we estimate will be at least 4%. 

Compton Schools POA 

            Compton Schools has agreed on a two-year contract calling for a total of 26% salary increase.  The two-year contract calls for an 11% increase retroactive to July 1, 2002 and a 15% increase retroactive to July 1, 2003.  The POA leadership was very successful in taking their case to the School Board who responded nicely. 

Monterey Park POA

             Monterey Park POA, after several months of trying to negotiate a multi-year package, has decided to take a one-year deal, which will expire in June of 2004.  The package includes a salary increase of between 3.75% and 5.75% depending on rank, along with a $75.00 increase in the City’s medical cafeteria contribution.  The POA was agreeable to this since it meant only a couple of months until negotiations would again commence for the next contract.  

Barstow POA

             Barstow POA agreed to a two-year package which includes a 4% increase July 1, 2004 and a $2,000 per officer signing bonus.  Additionally, the POA was for the first time able to negotiate special assignment pay of 5% for detectives and members of the Crime Impact Team.  The school resource officer and officer assigned to the mall will receive a 2.5% special assignment pay.  During the term of this two-year contract, the 3% at 50 retirement will also be implemented.

 About the author, Dieter C. Dammeier is a partner with the law firm of Lackie & Dammeier LLP who represents Police Associations throughout California in discipline and matters and negotiations.