Eight percent more pay for cops

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This story showed up as breaking news on Tulsa World's web site.

Arbitrator recommends 8 percent pay hike for Tulsa cops By Staff reports
8/28/2006 1:43:00 PM

An arbitrator has recommended an 8 percent across-the-board pay increase for Tulsa police officers.

Contract negotiations between the city and the Fraternal Order of Police began in February and later stalled. A two-day arbitration hearing was held in July before a neutral arbitrator.

"This is a great victory, not just for the FOP, but for the entire police department," FOP President Darin Filak said.

He said the salary increase would make TPD more competitive in hiring new officers and retaining veteran officers.

The city and FOP annually survey police pay in a number of cities similar to Tulsa in population and other demographics.

"Tulsa police officers historically have been woefully underpaid, especially when compared to our survey cities. The Tulsa Police Department continually ranks at the bottom of all compensation areas of the survey," Filak said.

The arbitration ruling now goes to Mayor Kathy Taylor for her consideration. If she rejects the recommendation, the raise could be put to a vote of the people.