Maplewood Reaches New Contract Agreements with Police

Updated Dec. 12, 2011 to include comments by Chief of Police Robert Cimino.

Earlier this week, the two local police unions ratified new contract agreements with the Township of Maplewood, a move that should help to boost morale and stabilize the town's budget for years to come — according to one town leader.

Township Administrator Joseph Manning confirmed Friday, Dec. 9, that the PBA (Policeman's Benevolent Association) and SOA (Superior Officers Association) voted on Dec. 7 to accept a memorandum of agreement that had been negotiated by the town and the unions. Next, the Township Committee is set to approve the agreements at its regular meeting on Dec. 20. The current contracts expire on Dec. 31, 2011.

According to Township Committeeman Jerry Ryan, both contracts are for four years with a 2% salary increase per year. The PBA contract adds an additional step in the salary guide, and also splits an existing step into two steps. As part of the agreement, the union will drop several open grievances with the town.

Ryan said that reaching these agreements now will avoid costs for the township for further negotiations and potential arbitration, as well as costs associated with the grievances.

At the Dec. 6 Township Committee meeting, the Committee passed a resolution supporting the terms of the agreement. Ryan told Township Administrator Joseph Manning that he was very pleased to have these contracts settled so quickly and commended Manning for his efforts.

Committeeman Marlon K. Brownlee, Chair of Public Safety, also worked with the unions to arrive at the agreement. Upon ratification of the memorandum, Brownlee said, "Given the current economic climate, municipalities around the country are facing extreme challenges in putting together budgets that are both fiscally sustainable and yet maintain the level of services that residents expect, and Maplewood is no exception. Our negotiations have resulted in a settlement that reflects a concerted effort to balance those two objectives."

Brownlee said the new contract would help Maplewood's budget process for years to come: "I believe that by agreeing on a four-year contract, we have stabilized a major component of our budget for a good length of time. In addition, having a settled contract should have a positive effect on overall morale as we enter a new year, so I'm pleased that we've come to an agreement as quickly as we have."

Chief of Police Robert Cimino was also pleased with the agreement: "Contract matters are important to everyone, so I’m very pleased with the outcome for the officers and for the Township. Our officers do a tremendous job for the community. Having a fair agreement in place quickly is important for morale and for cost controls as well, so I applaud both sides for working collaboratively to reach an agreement quickly.”

Ryan said that the town hopes to have a contract with the local chapter of the Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association shortly as well. The current FMBA Local 25 contract also expires on Dec. 31, 2011.