Philadelphia FOP secures pay increase while continuing to include Citizens Police Oversight Commission investigations in the new contract.
Philadelphia’s police officers are set to receive a pay increase as part of a newly ratified two-year contract negotiated through a mandatory arbitration process initiated due to state prohibitions on public safety personnel strikes. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 5, which represents the city’s uniformed officers, will receive a total compensation package valued at 3 million over the span of five years. The contract stipulates a pay raise of 3% for the current and next fiscal years along with an immediate bonus of ,000 to be disbursed within 30 days.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, during a Friday press conference to unveil the agreement, emphasized that the cash bonus aims to recognize the commitment and sacrifices made by Philadelphia’s police force. In conjunction with these financial provisions, the contract includes several modifications to sick leave and wellness policies, designed to enhance the overall employment terms for officers.
Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel noted that this wage increase is a crucial step in aligning Philadelphia’s compensation with surrounding jurisdictions, thereby aiding in attracting and retaining quality personnel within the department. This contract marks the third significant labor agreement announced by Parker this summer, following a one-year extension for the city’s four major unions and a contract resolution involving the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) District Council 33.
While the pay raise addresses one of the FOP’s key demands, other proposals aimed at increasing privacy and reducing oversight were not included in the final arbitration award. Earlier discussions had suggested a desire by the FOP to limit the release of officer names in shooting incidents and to restrict the Citizens Police Oversight Commission from conducting misconduct investigations. However, arbitrators opted to uphold existing policies, emphasizing a need for continued transparency and accountability in police operations.
The arbitration award also outlines additional benefits, including the introduction of one designated “wellness day” per officer per fiscal year and a pilot program permitting the use of accrued sick leave for family care. Furthermore, the city will contribute million to the FOP Retiree Joint Trust Fund, reflecting a commitment to support retiring officers.
In light of recent scrutiny surrounding the FOP’s financial practices, especially with respect to transparency in spending, this contract negotiation further highlights the ongoing tensions between the union and the community over accountability measures. While FOP leaders voiced objections to negative reporting on the union’s financial behavior, the outcomes of this arbitration reflect a careful balancing act between compensatory and oversight measures affecting Philadelphia’s police force.
Media News Source
