WICU12

The Erie police department has a new contract.  And for the first time, it calls for police to contribute to their health care coverage.  CLICK FOR VIDEO

An arbitrator has awarded the Erie police department with a new contract, but not everybody is happy with it.
According to the Erie police FOP union, the arbitrator's decision, gives a majority of the awards to the city.
But the city says it's a fair contract.
After contract negotiations went south in late January, an arbitrator took over.
A big sticking point was health care contributions.
The city was pushing for police to contribute to their health care costs.
And for the first time, Erie police officers will have to contribute.
The city says it's a very reasonable contribution.
Officers will pay $15 every pay period for single coverage, and $30 per pay period for family coverage. Police are paid twice a month.
And while the police union said they expected they would have had to contribute to their health care, they say in the end the arbitrator also raised their co-pays and prescription costs. So in terms of offsetting health care awards, Union President Sgt. Ken Kensill say their members didn't get much.

"We did receive the health care contributions which is something we've been seeking for quite some time. So I think it's another piece to stabilizing our financial position." Said Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott.
"It's (arbitration) a balance act. We don't feel that this was balanced in any way. If we're going to contribute, then why are we getting increases in our health care plan?" Said Sgt. Kensill.

As per the new contract, Erie police officers get a two percent wage increase twice a year.
Sgt. says overall, a majority of the members are not happy with the new contract.

Emily Matson