|
Negotiations Update
By:Dieter C.
Dammeier
LACKIE & DAMMEIER
With fiscal years ending for employers in June, the summer months are
usually busy for contract negotiations. While negotiations continue at
many agencies, I am happy to announce the successful conclusion of three
more contracts for Southern California POA’s. As previously reported,
the state and most local economies are nicely rebounding, providing
fertile ground for successful contract negotiations for those willing to
take the necessary steps in contract negotiations. Below are three such
police associations.
Barstow POA – 3 year deal – 30%
In Barstow, the POA’s message was heard late but was nevertheless
successful. In 2005, the POA reluctantly agreed to a 10% salary
increase for a two-year contract. During these heated contract
negotiations, great effort was made to point out the recruitment and
retention problems the Department was having. As was promised to the
City during negotiations, the 10% increase would not solve the retention
issues. Only after more officers departed the agency, did the City
finally accept the reality of the POA’s message. The POA had also filed
a proposed ballot initiative to place on the ballot for the voters the
issue of paying police officers at the average of the County. Finally,
the City, to its credit, acknowledged the problem and agreed to a
solution. Now in year two of the two year contract, after having
received the first five percent, the City agreed to provide an immediate
25% salary increase for a one year extension of the MOU. The effect of
this increase provided a 30% increase over the past nine months.
Delano
POA 3-year deal – 14.25% to 26% (depending on P.O.S.T. and education
level)
The Delano Police Officers Association has
negotiated a three-year deal with the City calling for several
significant increases to its compensation and benefits. Salary will
increase in year one by 3.25%. In year two a salary survey will call
for approximately 5% and in year three another salary survey calling for
between four and six percent. Special assignment pay and education
incentive pay was converted from a flat dollar amount to percentages,
thereby causing an increase in the benefit with each salary increase. A
new benefit was added to the package of P.O.S.T. Certificate pay calling
for 2.5% for an Intermediate P.O.S.T, 5% for an Advanced P.O.S.T. and
6.5% for a Supervisory P.O.S.T. Certificate.
Los
Angeles General Service POA 1-year deal – 4.25% to 7.25% (depending on
POST)
Having just formed a new bargaining unit of
police officers after a two-year battle to sever from a larger civilian
bargaining unit, the POA has started off well. This inaugural MOU calls
for a 4.25% salary increase during fiscal year 2006-2007. In addition,
as was a primary factor in forming their own bargaining unit, a benefit
routinely provided other police bargaining units was obtained. POST
Certificate pay of 1% for an Intermediate Certificate and an additional
2% for an Advanced Certificate was obtained. Given that the agreement
was for only 1 year, the POA looks forward to addressing other areas of
concern very shortly.
As the summer months progress, I look forward
to negotiating and reporting to you many more successful contracts.
About the author, Dieter C. Dammeier is an LDF Panel
Attorney and chief negotiator of Lackie & Dammeier, representing Police
Associations throughout California. |
