Saanich police officers are working under a new contract today, after negotiations wrapped up in May.
Council approved the changes to the contract this week at an in-camera meeting.
The deal includes a six-step, 8.45-per-cent pay hike retroactive to April 1, 2010, when the Saanich Police Association’s contract expired. The new contract will expire at the end of 2012.
Mayor Frank Leonard, who chairs the police board, said the wage increase is based on a contract recently signed by Vancouver police.
“The understanding between the employer and employees, is it’s difficult to reach an agreement in advance of such a large influence as the City of Vancouver,” he said. “So we wait to see what their settlement is and discuss it in good faith.”
Despite the contract expiring 14 months ago, negotiations with the Saanich Police Association lasted less than two months.
kslavin@saanichnews.com