Johnston, police union reach five year agreement

After months of negotiations, the town of Johnston and the International Brotherhood of Police Officer Local 307 (IBPO), which represents the Johnston Police Department, have approved a 5-year collective bargaining agreement.

At a special meeting held last Wednesday the Town Council unanimously approved resolution 2017-33, a 5-year contract with the members of the bargaining unit, effective from July 1, 2017 until June 30, 2022.

“I want to thank and commend Mike Andreozzi, who’s the president of the IBPO Local 307. When we first sat down I think because of past history we were far apart but I found out that Michael was a man of his word, he was a gentleman,” said Mayor Joseph Polisena during the meeting. “Obviously he was there representing his members but he also kept the taxpayers in mind and I commend him for that.”

According to the resolution, members of the IBPO will receive a 3 percent wage increase on July 1 of 2017, 2018, and 2019. On July 1 of 2020 and 2021, officers will receive a 1.75 percent wage increase. Beginning in 2017, each member will also receive a $1,000 stipend, contingent upon the department maintaining its state and national accreditation for the entire contract year.

Members have the right of first refusal for special details, and the chief of police can order back officers as deemed necessary on any police detail, including parades, feasts, elections, road construction, and school functions, for example.

“If you asked me months ago if we’d be here tonight approving the contract I would have said ‘No way,’” said Polisena. “I know this is a fair contract for the taxpayers as well as the men and women who serve to protect us every single day. It’s a 5-year contract, same as the firefighters got. Because the pension is in critical status, we were allowed to give a 5-year contract.”

Resolution documentation states that the town will fund the police officers pension plan with $8.5 million for fiscal year 2017, with an annual increase of 3 percent for 20 years. The resolution also provides that retirees and/or spouses who reach age 65 shall enroll in Medicare. The town will continue to provide the healthcare benefit level, service level and network level made available prior to the retiree’s Medicare eligibility at no cost to the retiree.

The town shall also continue to pay any costs to the retiree associated with Medicare, including healthcare, prescription drugs, and any penalties, interest and enrollment fees.

“They have also signed on with the FIP, which is the financial improvement plan, which I will say publicly, all of you council members should be extremely, extremely proud that we didn’t kick the can down the road when it comes to the pensions,” said Polisena. “Basically we have fixed our pension plan with police and fire, unlike other communities, and this contract is part of it.”

The mayor also commended Chief Richard S. Tamburini and Chief of Staff Doug Jeffrey for their work during negotiations. Along with the chief and Jeffrey, Officer Michael Andreozzi also thanked council members for passing the resolution.

“I would not be here if it was not for the support of the men and women who represent the Johnston police department who go out each and every day and supported me 100 percent since December when I first ran [as president],” said Andreozzi . “They came out and voted, and they voted strong and they voted positive. Fifty-two people approved this contract and for that I thank the members of the police department.”