Full Notification

ROCKFORD--May 17, 2010

City Hall announced Arbitrator Byron Yaffe’s Award
on the 2009 through 2011 Police Union Contract. The Arbitrator awarded the City’s proposal on wages and the Union’s proposal on insurance. The City and local PB&PA
previously reached agreements on all other issues, and presented evidence to the Arbitrator earlier this year.

Final briefs were forwarded to the Arbitrator on May 5,
2010, and the Arbitrator’s decision was issued
on May 13, 2010.

The Police Union’s final demand would have imposed a general wage increase of 3.5% retroactive to January 1, 2009, a 2% general wage increase retroactive to January
1, 2010, and another 3% increase on January 1, 2011.

The increase in wages would have exceeded 3.8 million dollars over the three year contract. The City’s final offer will provide a 2% general wage increase effective July 1, 2010, and an additional 2% increase on October 1, 2011.

The City’s wage expense will likely increase
by $212,000 this year and $534,000 next year under the new contract.

The arbitrator determined the Police Union personnel will not be required to pay higher health plan premium or deductibles throughout the contract, despite the City’s request to bring those items in line with AFSCME and non-union employees.

Police Union personnel will continue on their current plan and at the current rates through the life of the contract.