Akron’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7, the police union, voted last week to approve the material terms of a new three-year contract through 2027 with the City of Akron, according to a press releases from both the union and the city.
The agreement includes wage increases of 5% in 2025, 4.5% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027. According to the city’s press release, the 14% over three years is the largest wage increase in at least the last 30 years. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik will present legislation to Akron City Council on Oct. 27 in order to fund the agreement and receive its approval.
The two sides couldn’t agree on a new contract earlier this year based on the financial terms. The union’s proposal included wage increases of 9% in 2025, 6% in 2026 and 6% in 2027, for a total of 21% over three years. The city’s proposal included increases of 3% each year, for 9% across three years.
In May, Akron City Council rejected an independent mediator’s “fact finding” report, which also proposed a 5% wage increase for 2025, a 4.5% increase for 2026, and a 4.5% increase for 2027. The rejection meant the final terms of the collective bargaining agreement were decided by a conciliator through the State Employment Relations Board.
Also in May, City of Akron Director of Finance Steve Fricker, in a statement, warned that the mediator’s recommendation would have required the city to generate new revenue sources, deplete the general fund or make deep cuts across departments — including public safety — in order to balance the budget.
“We would be facing fiscal caution by 2027 with less than 30 days cash on hand and by 2029, would need to cut between 100-180 city jobs,” Fricker wrote. ”The recommendations are not a sustainable path forward for our residents or our workforce.”
Competitive pay, other benefits
The FOP statement said the new contract will give Akron Police officers “competitive pay, with the highest average wages in the department’s history.”
The contract also includes a retention bonus, shift differential, longevity pay and “strong health insurance coverage,” along with provisions for modest increases to employee contributions for health insurance, the city stated.
“Collectively, this package reflects our respect for the service of Akron’s officers and our desire to remain competitive in recruiting and retaining officers,” the mayor’s statement said.
“After a long and difficult negotiation process, we’re thrilled to reach an agreement that values our officers’ commitment to keeping our community safe,” said Brian Lucey, president of Akron FOP Lodge #7. “Finalizing this contract allows us to move forward and focus on our core mission of protecting and serving the Akron community.”
The contract also provides for civilian staffing in the city’s Body-Worn Camera Unit, which will help free up unionized police officers to do other work.
Three exempt positions will be added in the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability (OPSA), APD’s internal affairs department, to provide for more flexibility in staffing.