Chatham-Kent's Police Services Board has reached new five-year labour deals with their sworn officers in record time.
That according to Board Chair Diane Daly, adding the quick work they did on contract negotiations will bode well for long-term stability.
"The chief is ecstatic, and we're all happy," says Daly. "This is going to get us over into the next council. It's so easy to make your budget if you already know what your expectations are for salary."
Separate contracts have been agreed upon for senior sworn officers, which include investigators and detectives, as well as junior sworn officers. Senior positions will see no salary increase in 2016, a 1% increase in '17, 1.5% increases in 2018-2019, capped off with a 1.75% pay increase in 2020.
Meanwhile junior officers will get a 1.85% annual salary increase over the five-year period.
"We're trying to make it compatible for our municipality," Daly adds. "We're all taxpayers right? So we're all paying and we want to keep it as low as we can. Yet, [union reps] all want an increase. [Salary] is always the big question."
While contracts have not been officially signed, both groups have ratified their respective deals. The CK Police Service still needs to complete negotiations with its four senior civilian officers.
CK police officers had been without a contract since December 31, 2015.
-- With files from Mike James
