LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Metro Corrections leadership and FOP Corrections Union Lodge 77 announced on Wednesday that they reached a tentative agreement to increase pay for sworn officers and boost starting pay for new hires.

The tentative agreement between Louisville Metro and the union includes boosting the starting pay for new corrections officers to $44,346 with a combination of 8% pay raises for all sworn officers and the elimination of an entry level pay step, effective immediately upon approval by FOP members, according to a press release from Mayor Fischer's office.

The 8% across-the-board raises would be in addition to the 2% raise provided to Metro Corrections sworn employees in July, and the 2% raise they're set to receive on July 1, 2022 that was negotiated under previous contracts. 

The raises are also in addition to the $2,000 retention incentives and the $5,000 premium pay most corrections officers will receive.

“To continue addressing our No. 1 priority of public safety, our city needs a detention center that is properly staffed with well-trained Corrections officers,” Mayor Fischer said. “These steps will make these important jobs more attractive for career-seekers. While staffing shortages are a challenge being dealt with nationwide, across all industry sectors, it is critical we continue to work to ensure it does not affect the vital, round-the-clock public services provided by our city government.”

FOP Lodge 77 President Daniel Johnson said the union appreciates the steps that the city has taken to address Metro Corrections' staffing crisis. The tentative agreement will be presented to union membership for a vote soon.

Corrections Director Dwayne Clark said leadership has spent months working with the FOP to find a way to increase pay for Corrections officers. “Corrections officers work hard and deserve this pay raise. We are committed to recruiting qualified persons and I believe this is a good step in the right direction,” he said.

The agreement between the city and FOP also includes steps to improve accountability for Corrections employees, similar to some of the reforms seen in the police contract.

Metro Council leaders also spoke in support of the tentative agreement.

“I congratulate the mayor and the FOP in negotiating a better contract that will provide higher wages to our Metro Corrections officers and will hopefully encourage them not to leave,” said Metro Council President David James, D-6. “This will help increase safety for the officers, inmates, and our citizens.”

Corrections will also continue with pilot incentive programs created in August to improve recruitment and retention, including financial incentives to LMDC employees who refer a candidate for sworn staff employment at Corrections, a hiring incentive to new recruits of $2,000.00, and a program providing eligible employees who continue their employment through July 1 with up to $2,000.00.