NEWARK The union vote was close, but the city of Newark and members of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 127 have agreed on a three-year contract for Newark police officers and supervisors.
There were 29 votes against the contract out of a possible 53 votes from police officers in Wednesday's election. Three more "no" votes would have met the 60% threshold to reject the proposed contract. Only six officers voted in favor of the contract, while 18 did not vote.
The process includes two union votes. The supervisors voted 9-1 in favor of the contract, with one supervisor not voting.
City Council approved the contract 9-0 at Monday night's meeting.
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Union members will receive a 7% salary increase for the rest of 2023, beginning Aug. 1, followed by 4% increases in both 2024 and 2025.
The previous contract expired in October, so the 7% increase compensates members for the delay in the start of the new contract.
“I’m kind of happy when we get it settled,” Newark Mayor Jeff Hall said. “Both sides concede a little bit. Both sides gain a little bit. That’s what compromise it. Both sides have a right to give input.
“We’re compared to the cities around Columbus. If you lived two hours from a big city, you wouldn’t compare that. Today, more people are willing to get in a car and drive to a job. If it’s all about money, we’re never going to be able to compete with the suburbs around Columbus.”
Police Sgt. Clint Eskins...
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