Ottawa police officers are set to get a boost in pay and extended parental leave benefits starting next year.
A five-year collective bargaining agreement between the Ottawa Police Association (OPA), the union representing both civilian and sworn officers, and the city’s police services board, was announced Friday.
Officers are set to receive an overall salary increase of 19.35 per cent through 2029, according to an email from the OPA.
Unionized staff will receive a 6.85 per cent raise starting on Jan. 1, 2025, a 3.5 per cent raise for 2026, 3.5 per cent for 2027, three per cent for 2028 and 2.5 per cent for 2029.
Officers will also be eligible for up to 35 weeks of leave compensated at 93 per cent of their normal salary, according to the agreement.
The starting salary for a police officer under the current contract is $111,500 with a 10.5 per cent raise from 2020 to 2024. The contract expires on Dec. 31.
“The Association is very happy we were able to work collaboratively with the Police Service Board and the Police Executive to get this deal done prior to the expiration of the current contract,” said OPA president Matthew Cox in an email.
“This is a win for everyone as it provides stability for the city, and our members see that all three parties the Board, the Executive, and the Association value the work they do keeping Ottawa safe.”
The Ottawa police budget was approved this week and includes funding for the force to hire 50 new employees, including 22 more sworn officers and 28 new civilian positions.
The $388.7 million budget for 2025 includes a $16.3 million increase in funding for police services.