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Patrol officers ratify tentative Dolton police contract; board set to vote in April
Summary
Chief Chapman told trustees a tentative contract with the Illinois FOP Labor Council was reached after one-day mediation and ratified by patrol officers; the agreement includes 3% annual raises for 2024–26, a higher uniform allowance and longevity pay changes, and will be on the board's April agenda for final approval.
Dolton police patrol officers have ratified a tentative collective-bargaining agreement after mediation, Police Chief Chapman told the Village Board, and trustees will consider the contract at the board's April meeting.
Chief Chapman said negotiations with the Illinois FOP Labor Council began in 2024 after the previous agreement expired April 30, 2024. He told the board that the parties resolved their remaining differences during a one-day mediation session on Feb. 5 and that the tentative agreement was subsequently ratified by the patrol officers.
"This is probably one of the easiest negotiations I've been a part of," Chapman said, attributing progress to realistic positions on both sides and to effective representation from the union. He also noted the recent passing of the FOP labor council attorney, Kia Harris, and asked village officers to attend her arrangements.
Under the tentative agreement, which Chief Chapman said would be effective May 1, 2024, through April 30, 2027, the parties agreed to 3% wage increases for the years 2024, 2025 and 2026. The contract also raises the annual uniform allowance from $800 to $1,000 and adjusts longevity pay to add $250 per month after five years of service and again in five-year increments. Officers appointed as officers-in-charge will receive four hours of compensatory time for each shift served in that capacity. The agreement provides time-and-a-half pay when officers are mandated to work special events such as Fourth of July details if days off are cancelled with reasonable notice.
Chief Chapman said all other contract language remains consistent with the prior agreement unless specifically changed in the tentative deal. He described the mediation outcome as a reflection of mutual understanding by both sides.
The village will place the full contract on the April board agenda for final consideration and a formal vote. No board vote took place at the meeting where Chapman reported the tentative agreement.
If approved, the contract will affect the village's personnel costs for the coming years and set terms for pay, allowances and certain shift-based compensations for the police department.
