News
Stratford Police Service Board announces contract agreement
October 27, 2023 By Amanda Modaragamage, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Oct. 27, 2023, Stratford, Ont. – The Stratford Police Services Board and the Stratford Police Association have announced the completion of contract negotiations.
After a series of collaborative discussions, both parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement that will positively impact members of the Stratford Police Association and the communities they serve.
“The tone of the negotiations was very collaborative and professional,” said Tim Doherty, chair of the Stratford Police Services Board, “We value the work that the officers and civilians do every day, and we feel they should be compensated appropriately for the good work they do.”
The new contract represents the Stratford Police Service’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of our dedicated Police Association members while maintaining a high standard of public safety. Doherty said, “This contract is a continuation of our commitment to show our support and care for the wellness of the staff and community.”
This four-year contract with annual wage increases of two and a half percent also offers an improved benefits package, parental leave benefits, post-retirement benefits for all staff, and specialty Unit/Role remunerations update.
A highlight of the new contract is the introduction of a “part-time” policing program, “It’s a fairly new concept across the province,” said Doherty, “with the association’s cooperation, we’re going to move ahead to explore it and what it would look like.”
This new program will allow police officers to attend mandatory training throughout the year while providing extra staffing to cover shifts.
“We are pleased to have reached a fair and comprehensive agreement with the Stratford Police Association,” said Doherty, “This collective agreement demonstrates our shared commitment to providing the highest level of service to our communities and ensuring that both our uniform and civilian staff are well supported in their vital roles.”
“The Stratford Police Association would like to thank the Stratford Police Services Board for working together to come to this agreement,” said Robert McMillan, President of the Stratford Police Association. The Stratford Police Service serves the municipalities of Stratford, Perth South, and St Marys. With approximately ninety staff members, the Police Service responds to over 20,000 calls yearly.
– Stratford Times
Print this page
