New Haven, Connecticut, finally has an agreement with its police union after three years without a contract. The tentative deal requires new officers to serve at least 25 years before they can retire.
Mayor Toni Harp says not only will future officers be required to serve 25 years before retirement instead of 20. But for the first time there will be a minimum retirement age of 52.
Harp says this will help the city retain officers and save money.
“The savings in this aspect of the contract alone will pay dividends for the life of the contract and for years beyond that in terms of the city’s pension liability."
The three-year contract will cost the city an extra $10 million. It includes raises, retrospective pay for three years and a pension with a sick-time buyback.
The agreement was ratified by rank and file members of the police union last week. It now goes to New Haven’s Board of Alders for approval in September.
