NEWTON, MA — The city's police association has ratified a new three-year contract with the city that includes annual three percent cost-of-living raises and new initiatives focused on officer scheduling and wellness.
In addition to the wage increases, the agreement creates a Schedule Change Committee that will examine alternatives to officers working multiple shifts.
The contract also establishes a Fitness for Duty and Wellness Committee, which will focus on police health and wellness, fitness-for-duty examination procedures, early intervention efforts and support programs.
City officials said the changes are intended to support officer well-being while helping ensure the safe and effective delivery of public safety services.
The agreement follows a similar three-year contract reached earlier this year between the city and the Newton Police Superior Officers Association.
Officials thanked members of both police unions, as well as Police Chief Timothy Cohoon, Superintendent Dennis Dowling and the city's bargaining team, for their work on the agreements.
The bargaining team included Human Resources Director Michelle Pizzi O'Brien, attorneys Michael Maccaro and Alejandra Hung, Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux and Manager of Financial Services Douglas Botelho.
City officials said Newton has also finalized additional labor agreements this year and is nearing resolutions on its remaining union contracts.
The full contract has not yet been released publicly.
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