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7.6 % Pay Hike

The Eastchester Police Department successfully negotiated a 7.6 percent pay hike covering four years after coming to an agreement with local government following two and a half years without an agreement.  Patrol officers, sergeants and detectives had been without a contract since December 31, 2008.

The agreement, negotiated by PBA President,  Detective Frank Casey, gives  members retroactive raises of 1.5 percent for 2009, and 2.1 percent for 2010. The contract also calls for a 2.25 percent pay hike for 2011 and a 1.75 percent raise for 2012. The average police officer in the town earns approximately $80,000 per year. 

Casey said that because the town is in the middle of re-vamping health benefits for police and other town employees, it was not possible to negotiate a contract that would extend beyond 2012 for the 40-plus officers who comprise the department.

"Healthcare has become such a complicated issue," Casey said. "We wanted to wait until we have things settled before we go any further.

One of the new aspects of the contract will be an opt-out clause. Officers can opt out of town provided benefits and those that do will get a cash incentive of $2,000. Officers also agreed to place limits on their accrued vacation time.

One of the things that the officers really wanted, Casey said, was a return to steady shifts. Currently officers take turns working day and night shifts while officers prefer having a consistent schedule.

The new agreement takes effect immediately,

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