White Plains CitizeNetReporter - Police,City Reach Agreement on New Contract Through 2004

WPCNR FRIDAY GETAWAY GAZETTE, Special from City Hall April 5,2002, 6 PM EST: The White Plains Police and the City of White Plains have come to a tentative agreement on a new three year contract, calling for raises of 3.75%, 3.75% and 4% in 2002,2003, and 2004, respectively. George Gretsas, the Mayor's Executive Officer said it was "the first time in memory that the city had reached an agreement with the police before expiration of a current contract."

City Hall's official announcement stated, "The City and Police Benevolent Association are pleased and delighted to announce that the parties have reached a tentative agreement on a new labor contract.

Three Year Pact

"The parties have agreed to raises of 3.75% for 2002, 3.75% for 2003 and 4% for 2004. In addition, the agreement provides other improvements to fringe benefits, including:

* An increase in the supervisor differential.
* An increase in the detective differential.
* Stipends for certain officers with specialties such as being bilingual, in return for a reduction in call back pay.
* Increases in longevity pay.
* A new night differential for members working certain shifts.
* Increases in the Welfare Fund.
* An increase in the uniform allowance.
* A new benefit allowing members to sell unused vacation days back to the Department, thereby making more work days available to the Department.
* A new sick leave bonus to encourage better attendance.

Contract Awaits Union Approval

The Mayor's Office Official Statement reports, "the tentative settlement must be ratified by the PBA membership and the Common Council. Both Mayor Delfino and PBA President James Carrier are confident that the agreement will be approved.

Mayor pleased.

The statement said, "Mayor Delfino expressed pleasure that an agreement had been timely concluded. Mayor Delfino also praised the sincere and dedicated efforts of all parties to work to achieve a new contract before the existing contract expired for the first time in recent memory.

Three and Out

George Gretsas, the Mayor's Executive Officer, in advising WPCNR of the agreement said, "It was especially satisfying that the cooperative effort enabled both parties to reach this settlement after only three bargaining sessions. " Agreement was concluded in the final negotiating session Thursday evening.


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