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Dave Novak recently endured weeks of nagging worry that the results of an Act 312 arbitration might make insurance coverage a costly item for members of the Brownstown Township Police Officers Association. The BTPOA president and his colleagues are feeling much better now that Arbitrator Karen Bush Schneider has handed down her decision. A retroactive three-year (Jan 1, 2000 - Dec 31, 2002) contract that implements MAP's position on the vital issue of insurance is now in effect. "The ruling on insurance made the arbitration decision a big win for us," Novak declared. "It was the main aspect I was worried about. Fred Timpner did a good job of explaining and supporting our position and he obviously got the message across. "I was really concerned that we might end up facing some major insurance expenses. That would go directly against MAP's negotiating policy, but this was obviously not a negotiation. And you never know just how an arbitrator will rule." The 312 decision left hanging, until the end of this year, the BTPOA's initiative to achieve pension improvements. Novak said this issue will be addressed "in full" when the bargaining for a new contract (covering Jan. 1, 2003 forward) begins. "The ruling of insurance made the arbitration decision a big win for us. It was the main aspect I was worried about. Fred Timpner did a good job of explaining and supporting our position and he obviously got the message across." However, the arbitration process yielded wage increases that will bring veteran officers' pay up to $49,600 this year. This results from hikes of 5 percent in 2000, 3.75 percent in 2001 and 4 percent in 2002. Novak's emphasis on the importance of insurance coverage and costs was clearly understood by the arbitrator, who said in her decision document: "There is no doubt that health care is a significant benefit that individuals look for in entering an employment relationship. For public employees, such as the bargaining unit (BTPOA) members herein, that is particularly true since they are engaged in potentially hazardous duty." The local association's arbitration team included, in addition to Novak, Paul Lazar (vice president), Mike Topjian and Chris McRay (for dispatchers). Other union members assisted by gathering background documentation and drawing up plans, Novak said. "Fred was excellent; quick with information to respond to any question and very thorough on all points," he said. "The whole MAP staff was very helpful."
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