In a landmark achievement for Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, along with dedicated union representatives and key stakeholders, has successfully negotiated and ratified transformative collaborative bargaining agreements with several public safety unions. These historic agreements signify a shared commitment to bolstering public safety and enhancing the well-being of the dedicated individuals who serve and protect the communities within Wayne County.
Under the leadership of Executive Warren C. Evans, Wayne County has embarked on a mission to attract and retain top-tier talent within its public safety sector. These groundbreaking agreements represent a significant milestone in achieving this goal, while also ensuring that the county remains a safe and secure place for its residents.
The collaborative bargaining agreements encompass the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), police captains, lieutenants, and sergeants represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3317, and attorneys in the Prosecutor’s Office and Corporation Counsel represented by the Government Bar Association (GBA).
The primary focus of these agreements is to improve wages and benefits for public safety personnel, recognizing their vital contributions to the community. Here are some key highlights from these historic agreements:
Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM)
The agreement with the POAM, covering deputies, detectives, and corporals, includes:
A remarkable 24% wage increase over the next three years, with a 13% increase immediately following Commission approval, an additional 5% increase on October 1, 2024, and a 3% increase on October 1, 2025.
Retention bonuses of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, based on years of service.
Up to $5,000 in new hire incentives.
A reduction in employee healthcare contributions from 25% to 20%.
Employer-paid parking for all employees.
These substantial improvements in wages and benefits not only acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the POAM members but also provide a strong incentive for retaining and attracting the brightest talent in law enforcement.
AFSCME Local 3317 (Police Sergeants, Lieutenants, and Captains)
The agreement with AFSCME Local 3317 covers police sergeants, lieutenants, and captains, and includes:
A remarkable 23.5% wage increase over the next four years, with a 7.5% increase implemented immediately after Commission approval, an additional 5% increase on October 1, 2023, and 2024, and a 3% increase on October 1, 2025, and 2026.
Retention bonuses of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, based on years of service.
A reduction in employee healthcare contributions from 25% to 20%.
Employer-paid parking for all employees.
These substantial wage increases and benefits improvements represent a significant step forward for police sergeants, lieutenants, and captains, strengthening the county’s law enforcement leadership.
GBA (Prosecuting and Corporation Counsel Attorneys)
The agreement with the Government Bar Association (GBA), representing prosecuting and corporation counsel attorneys, includes:
A 15% increase in wages for entry-level attorneys, increasing the starting salary from $60,500 to $75,000.
Retention bonuses of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000, based on years of service.
A reduction in employee healthcare contributions from 25% to 20%.
Employer-paid parking for all employees.
These enhancements in wages and benefits for attorneys in the Prosecutor’s Office and Corporation Counsel not only acknowledge their crucial role in the legal system but also make Wayne County an attractive destination for legal professionals.
These historic agreements have been met with enthusiasm and support from various stakeholders. Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington expressed his excitement, recognizing that these improvements in wages and benefits are a step in the right direction for the county’s public safety department.
Prosecutor Kym Worthy hailed the agreements as “historic and transformative,” emphasizing that they would make Wayne County Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys among the highest-paid in the state, which will attract and retain top legal talent.
Additionally, the Government Bar Association (GBA) praised the contract improvements, including increased salaries and paid parental leave, as significant and long-overdue changes that will help attract and retain attorneys to serve Wayne County citizens.
Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell highlighted that these agreements demonstrate the county’s commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional employees, further elevating public safety.
Deputy County Executive Assad I. Turfe emphasized the importance of investing in top talent to ensure the security and resilience of Wayne County’s communities. These agreements are not just about better wages and benefits; they signify a cultural shift towards excellence, accountability, and community-focused service.
These groundbreaking agreements are a testament to Wayne County’s commitment to improving its workplace culture, where staff at all levels have a voice in negotiations and work as a unified team. As Wayne County actively engages in collaborative bargaining with other unions representing County staff, these agreements serve as a beacon of positive change and a brighter future for Wayne County and its residents.
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