As most of you know, given that most contracts expire June 30, the summer months are a busy time period for me at several negotiation tables. Below are a few of the groups represented by Lackie & Dammeier LLP who have successfully wrapped up negotiations.

Montclair POA

The Montclair POA, led by its President, Kenny Pollich, has obtained a significant contract for its members. The new MOU calls for a 13% salary increase during the first twelve months of the contract. In addition, during the first twelve months of the five-year agreement an increase in the City's contribution to the Employees' Cafeteria Plan increases $270 to a total of $800 per month. With the medical and salary combined MPOA Members are receiving an 18.5% increase during the first twelve months of the agreement. While the contract is a five-year term, each year significant increases are scheduled to take place. In 2006, MPOA Members will receive a 5% increase along with Long-Term Disability Insurance covering up to two thirds of an employee's salary. In 2007, salary will be increased another 2% along with a $25 increase in the Medical Cafeteria Plan. In 2008, salaries will be adjusted to the average of local surveyed cities (anticipating 6 to 9% increase). In the final year of the contract, the Cafeteria Plan amount will be adjusted to the average of the surveyed cities and a 2% salary increase will be provided. Accordingly, the five-year total package is an increase of between 30 and 33% (depending on the salary survey results).

Los Angeles County POA

After battling the County for months in negotiations, LACPOA, led by its President, Scott Frayer, was one of the final Los Angeles County groups to settle negotiations, obtaining a 5% salary increase, with the contract expiring in September of 2006. Based on the fact that negotiations for the next contract was right around the corner as well as LACPOA Members being successful in a class action lawsuit requiring parity pay with the Sheriff's Department, LACPOA's Members voted on the contract, accepting the 5% increase. In addition, hotly debated language was agreed on that prohibits the alteration of schedules to avoid overtime costs.

La Habra POA

The City of La Habra is not the most financially sound City in Orange County. La Habra POA President Peter Di Pasqua led his group during these tough negotiations. Fortunately, the City Council does set priority in public safety. To remain competitive in the marketplace, La Habra agreed to adjust salaries for its police officers to the average of Orange County, calling for an immediate 4% salary adjustment. In addition, the Medical Cafeteria Plan was increased $50 per month. In year two of the two-year agreement, the City has committed to maintaining La Habra at the County average (increase of 3-5%) and increasing the Cafeteria Plan another $50 per month. Finally, a reopener was agreed on during the term of the contract to discuss retiree medical benefits, an item long sought by the POA.

Upland POA

Upland POA's negotiations, led by its President and Inland Chapter PORAC President, Marcello Blanco, resulted in a two-year contract. In year-one of the contract a 5% salary increase is provided along with an increase in the Cafeteria amount of $24 taking it to $728 per month. Additionally, in year-one, the City has agreed to include the Employer Paid Member Contribution for PERS retirement as "compensation" for retirement purposes, thus significantly increasing the retiree's pension upon retirement. The POA has also been successful in obtaining a benefit which it had been seeking for years. Up until this point, upon receiving a degree, officers would receive a one-time lump sum payment. The POA was able to negotiate Education Incentive Pay of 2.5% for an AA or 5% for a Bachelors Degree. In addition to Education Pay, officers will also receive POST Certificate Pay at the levels of 2.5% for an Intermediate POST Certificate and 5% for an Advanced POST Certificate. Uniform Allowance was increased from $423 to $884 annually. In all, the two-year package called for an increase in salary of between 5% and 15% depending on Education and POST Certificate level as well as the increases in the Medical Cafeteria Plan and Uniform Allowance.

With the state and local economies on the upswing, contracts should only be getting better and better. I look forward on reporting these future contracts soon.

About the author, Dieter C. Dammeier, is an LDF Panel Attorney and partner with Lackie & Dammeier LLP specializing in public safety contract negotiations throughout Southern California.