Jersey City Officials OK Police Contract, Will Impact 700 Cops

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Mayor Steven Fulop, Police Division Director Tawana Moody and the Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association (POBA) have announced that the city will reopen the last two years of the 2016 Arbitration Award in exchange for an increase in starting salary, modifications to healthcare benefits, work rule changes and a four-year extension to the award.

According to a joint news release from the involved parties, effective January 1, 2019, the starting salary for Jersey City police officers will be increased to $41,000 from the current starting salary of $37,000. The city will also restore two pay steps that the new officers lost during the arbitration period and restore longevity payments to officers hired after January 1, 2013.

“Over the last five years, our administration has hired hundreds of officers and today is another validation of our commitment towards our Police Department and safety of our residents,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “I’m glad that the administration was able to work with the Jersey City POBA to find common ground.”

Additionally, the city will increase the salary at top pay during the last two years of the Arbitration Award. These are the last two years of service for the three large classes of officers who served honorably for 23 years, officials stated.

“Previous contracts cut starting salaries and put the savings into top pay; the $4,000 increase for new officers is over 10% and sorely needed as they start their careers,” said Police Division Director Tawana Moody. “We were also able to increase flexibility for our police chief, who is implementing innovative crime fighting and community relations programs.”

The city also achieved significant health care changes which will be phased in over the next two years and an elimination of all longevity payments for new hires. These changes are important for the city's fiscal health now and in the future, officials said.

The agreement will now go to the POBA members and the city council for final verification, officials stated Friday.

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