(Credit: Austin Police Association)
It has been nearly a full year since the Austin Police Department’s contract with the City of Austin expired, and since then, very little progress has been made as the two sides debated over things like pay, hiring, and oversight. But for the first time since negotiations for a new contract began, it appears a resolution may be in sight.
On Thursday, the Austin Police Department and city officials reached a tentative 4-year agreement. Full details are not yet known, but it has been revealed that under the new contract, APD’s pay raise would be 1{facfe2172b04f299937824a9c1283369198151460b73c952acd056710c9bd5ea} in the first year, and then 2{facfe2172b04f299937824a9c1283369198151460b73c952acd056710c9bd5ea} in the second, third, and fourth years.
APD’s initial proposal was a 9.5{facfe2172b04f299937824a9c1283369198151460b73c952acd056710c9bd5ea} raise over five years, plus stipeds and bonuses which would’ve bumped the pay up closer to 12{facfe2172b04f299937824a9c1283369198151460b73c952acd056710c9bd5ea}. That was far too high for the city council, which repeatedly balked at other pay proposals put forth by the Austin Police Association.
The new agreement would also give more civilian oversight to activists who have made demands to have more of a say over what happens at APD.
City Manager Spencer Crink believes the deal to be a great compromise for both parties.
Before any new contract can take effect, both the police union and the city council must first agree to the new terms.
