MAYOR PALMIERI ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY AND POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

City of Utica and the Utica Police Benevolent Association (PBA)

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MAYOR PALMIERI ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY AND POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION


Mayor Robert Palmieri today announced an agreement has been reached with the City of Utica and the Utica Police Benevolent Association (PBA). The agreement was approved by the Board of Estimate and Apportionment (E&A) on Monday (August 8th).
The five-year agreement, which is retroactive back to 2021, yields an average salary increase of 3.2% each year (over the five-year period) and was overwhelmingly supported by PBA membership. The contract also increases the tuition reimbursement fund for police personnel who pursue higher education.
The City and PBA have built a good working relationship and negotiated in good-faith over the past decade. This relationship has led to fair contract agreements which have benefited both parties. For example, in recognizing the rising costs of healthcare, the PBA (in 2018) agreed to increase the healthcare contribution of all police personnel to 20%.
Due to the PBA’s willingness to compromise on healthcare contributions, the cumulative salary increase for its members is approximately 36% over a ten-year period (2016-2026).
Over the past several years, the city has successfully negotiated contracts with CSEA, the Teamsters, the Fire Chief’s Union and the Police Chief’s union. All these agreements include increases to healthcare contributions for respective employees. Furthermore, the city has established a strong track record in good-faith labor negotiations as no union contract has reached arbitration in over a decade.
Mayor Palmieri stated, “I thank PBA President Josh Harrington for working collaboratively with the Administration on behalf of his membership. By engaging in substantive dialogue, the city and PBA were able to come to an amicable resolution which will benefit both parties.”

Mayor Palmieri continued, “The residents of Utica are fortunate to have an outstanding police department. I commend members of UPD for keeping our community safe.”

PBA President Josh Harrington stated, “The John E Creedon Police Benevolent Association is proud to serve the City of Utica and all of its great residents. We are grateful to be able to come to terms with the City of Utica on a 5-year contract. This contract helps the Utica Police Department stay competitive with the growing challenge of hiring the best and most qualified candidates to keep our community safe. I would like to thank the Mayor and his team for all of their hard work and cooperation, coming to terms that benefit both the City and the members of our fine department.”