NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The New Haven Board of Alders unanimously approved a proposed new contract for the city's police officers on Monday.
The approval comes after the New Haven police union Elm City Local voted on Oct. 11 to approve the six-year collective bargaining agreement with the city of New Haven. According to a city spokesperson, 96% of the members approved the contract.
The contract includes a 25% salary increase over six years to "reward and retain current officers," and a new $70,000 starting salary to help draw in recruits and new schedules for an "improved work-life balance for officers," the city said.
More information about the provisions in the contract can be found here.
"As mayor, public safety is my top priority. Critical to this effort is ensuring we’re able to attract and retain a dedicated police force by offering our police officers a fair contract, competitive salaries and benefits, and a work-life balance that appreciates and respects the work they do every day to keep our residents and streets safe," New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said in a statement following the Board of Alders vote.
He continued, "I want to thank the Board of Alders for their strong support of this contract and ongoing partnership in ensuring the safety of our residents. I look forward to signing this contract with Police Union President Cotto, giving our officers a well-deserved raise, and welcoming new applicants to join New Haven’s finest.”
With the approval of the police union and the Board of Alders, Elicker, and Police Union President Florencio Cotto will sign a formal contract in the weeks ahead.
The city's budget for fiscal year 2024-25 includes full funding for 389 police officers, according to the city.
"The tentative agreement would result in an estimated one-time cost of approximately $5.6 million to cover retroactive pay, including overtime, and an additional $7.5 million to support the proposed salary increases over the life of the agreement through fiscal year 2027-28," the city said.
334 of the 392 sworn officer positions for the fiscal year 2024-25 budget are currently filled.
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