Vermont Troopers ratify first ever collective bargaining agreement

The Vermont Troopers Association (VTA) announced today that its members have ratified its first collective bargaining agreement with the State of Vermont. The VTA separated from the Vermont State Employees Association in the fall and formed its own organization made up exclusively of state police officers.
“From the outset we knew we were negotiating our first contract in the face of some enormous challenges,” said Michael O’Neil, VTA President. Such challenges included a difficult economic outlook and pressure to follow the course set by VSEA in its own negotiations.
With these financial and political realities in mind, the VTA entered into negotiations with a clear goal. “We wanted the State to address issues that are unique to police officers,” said O’Neil. For example, the starting wage for a state police officer in Vermont is more than 35% below the average starting wage of the larger police agencies in Vermont, and almost 50% below the starting wage of a New Hampshire state police officer. “This profound discrepancy in comparable wages, along with other important issues, must be addressed if Vermont is going to continue to attract and retain qualified state police officers,” said O’Neil.
In the end, the Troopers agreed to a one year contract, during which they agreed to make a fair contribution to the State’s fiscal situation by waiving their step movements and temporarily suspending some holiday premiums and other benefits. In return, the State agreed to jointly participate with the VTA in a study of wages and wage plans of police agencies around Vermont and New England. Other issues including the development of new work schedules will be discussed at these meetings in preparation for next year’s negotiations.
“As painful as these economic times are, we are pleased that the State has agreed to a one year contract, and agreed to work with us to conduct a comprehensive review of comparable police wages and wage structures in Vermont and New England,” said O’Neil.
Source: Vermont Troopers Association. 3.16.2010
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