Middle Township Ratifies Police Contract

COURT HOUSE – The Township of Middle and PBA Local No. 59 are pleased to announce that both parties voted to accept the Memorandum of Agreement as executed between the Township and Local No. 59 May 2, 2016.  According to Township Administrator Constance Mahon, both the Township and PBA Local 59 are very pleased to reach a mutual resolution for a successor contract.  The new contract charts the course for the next three years to allow the Middle Township Police Department to grow and to continue our extraordinary efforts to reduce crime by ensuring the success the permanent street crimes unit.
“The Township Committee’s goal was to reach an agreement that is fair and equitable to both our Police Department and the taxpayers of Middle Township.” Mahon said. “The negotiations represent an unprecedented example of cooperation as a result of an amicable and professional relationship.  I personally would like to recognize the PBA negotiating committee and labor council for their firm understanding of the current economic situation and their concern for the longevity and continued success of the Middle Township Police Department.”  Public Safety Director Tim Donohue added, “I want to congratulate the members of the PBA negotiating team; as well as Chief Leusner, Business Administrator Connie Mahon and our labor counsel for the professional partnership achieved in these contract negotiations,” Committeeman Donohue further added, “both sides were able to bargain in good faith, based on the level of trust and mutual respect developed over the last few years.  The end result is a contract that rewards our police officers fairly for the dangerous and critical work they do, while allowing us to continue to grow the police department within our current budgetary restraints.” 
Speaking on behalf of the PBA, labor counsel Charles E. Schlager, Jr. agrees with the above comments and adds, “despite the arduous economic trends, individuals on both sides worked extremely hard to achieve a prompt and reasonable resolution. Reaching this agreement is a testament to the consciousness and dedication of management and law enforcement for the betterment of Middle Township.”
Pending ratification by the respective governing bodies, the parties agreed to revise several non–wage proposals and maintain the current nineteen (19) step wage guide.  All officers on the wage guide shall move annually in step until they reach top step. The parties agreed that no cost-of-living increase will be applied to the guide, but an annual 1.0% increase will be applied to top step (Step 19) and all rank positions covered by this contract. 
“I’m very pleased that all parties are mutually satisfied,” said Mayor Michael Clark. “It was a priority that the agreement be fair to our police officers and taxpayers alike while not compromising safety or services, and the negotiating team achieved just that. Specifically, I would like to recognize the two labor attorneys involved in the negotiations, Liz Garcia and Chuck Schlager, for their professionalism and efficiency. This negotiation process was by far one of the most amicable and fair that I have seen. I am proud to be part of this historic agreement.”