IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
San Bernardino and the union that represents the city’s police department have agreed on a contract.
By a 7-0 vote, the city council Monday approved a five-year contract that calls for a minimum 3.5 percent annual salary increase, according to a city statement.
In exchange, the department agreed to increased cost-sharing by the California Public Employees Retirement System, of CalPERS – of up to 12 percent during the last three years of the agreement.
The agreement, which reportedly took several months to negotiate, ends a difficult period between the two entities that began when San Bernardino filed bankruptcy three years ago.
“It’s a fair agreement, for the city and the department, and we’re glad to have it,” said Steve Turner, president of the San Bernardino Police Officers Association. “Most of all, it’s fair to the community.”
Both sides agreed that the contract will allow the city to cut costs while still making certain that basic law enforcement needs are met.
“Addressing crime is a top priority and an important step in doing that is first bringing stability to our current public safety workforce,” Mayor Carey Davis said in a statement. “Equally as important is to assure that our labor agreements adhere to the city’s long-term fiscal plan.”
