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Wauwatosa council ratifies one-year extension to police union contract to aid retention and transition
Summary
Council ratified a one-year extension to the July 2022–2025 collective bargaining agreement with the Wauwatosa Peace Officers Association after union membership overwhelmingly approved the tentative agreement; city officials said the extension supports retention and gives time to implement organizational recommendations.
The Wauwatosa Common Council ratified a one-year extension to the 2022–25 collective bargaining agreement between the city and the Wauwatosa Peace Officers Association (WPOA).
City representatives told the council the tentative agreement was reached through collaborative work among the WPOA president, police executive staff, human resources and the city administrator and was overwhelmingly approved by WPOA membership. Director Bowe and Chief McGillis (speaking for the department) described the extension as a stability measure that helps retain senior officers and detectives, keeps compensation competitive and gives time to address organizational changes and recommendations from ongoing research projects. Staff said using collaborative processes kept attorneys out of negotiations, saving costs.
Council members who spoke expressed support. Alders moved and seconded approval, and the council ratified the one-year extension by voice vote.
Why it matters: The extension affects compensation and working arrangements for sworn officers and is intended to aid recruitment and retention as the department implements organizational changes and reviews forthcoming recommendations.
What’s next: Staff said the extra year will allow the department to work on organizational structure, hours-of-work issues and to prepare for anticipated retirements and other transitions.
