Another Win for MAP!

What once was only dreamed about but  never thought could happen has become a reality. Base pay for police officers has broken through the $70,000 barrier.  Actually, it has rocketed past the 70k barrier and is knocking on the door of 75k. After almost thirty negotiation sessions, a new agreement has been approved by the Michigan Association of Police and the Sterling Heights Police Officers Association.

The bargaining team for the local consisted of Local President Richard Heins, Negotiation Chairman Rob Kovalcik, Grievance Officer Mike Kunith, Secretary Jim Bryant and MAP Executive Director Fred Timpner. This team put in a lot of long hours and hard work on this negotiations and it paid off with results. For every hour spent in direct talks with the Employer, there was an hour spent in research and preparation by the Union. "This is one of the hardest working teams I have ever worked with and I have worked with some good ones", said Fred Timpner.

The first year wage increase puts the top pay at $66,127. This is a 3.5% increase over 2005. The agreement calls for a 3% wage increase for each of the following years, culminating in a top pay rate of $74,426.

In addition there were other significant gains made. Overtime is now included in Final Average Compensation for pensions for everyone in the bargaining unit, not just the more senior officers. Shift premium was increased to 4% for the afternoon shift and 5% for midnights, The 4-10 work schedule was also locked in for the length of the contract.

Improvements in health care, with the drug rider set at a zero co-pay for generic drugs and $15.00 co-pay for brand drugs. This will actually save money for the Employer in the long run. Some other police unions are quick to agree to premium sharing without looking harder to achieve savings without cost shifting. When you do your homework you can come with a win for both sides. Other improvements include a DROP plan, increases in longevity, equipment allowance, increased Deferred Compensation contributions by the Employer, a more conducive training schedule and a more frequent Compensatory time buyback schedule. For a complete breakdown on this agreement call the MAP office for a copy.

Negotiation Chairman Rob Kovalcik is very pleased about everything. "We couldn't have done it without Fred Timpner and the MAP team of professionals. They were right there with us through the entire process."