LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Mayor Greg Fischer, Louisville Metro Corrections leadership and FOP Corrections Union Lodge 77 on Friday announced that union members have voted to accept a pay increase agreement for sworn corrections officers as the department works to quell a staffing crisis.
What You Need To Know
- Metro Corrections officers are getting a new pay raise soon
- The corrections union settled an agreement with the Louisville Metro Government for starting pay hikes and raises
- Starting pay for new officers is jumping to $44,346
- The new 8% across-the-board raises are in addition to raises approved under previous contracts
The agreement, approved Friday evening by an overwhelming vote count of FOP Corrections members, includes boosting the starting pay for new corrections officers to $44,346 with a combination of 8% pay raises for all sworn officers. It also eliminates an entry level pay step.
The 8% across-the-board raises are in addition to the 2% raise provided to Metro Corrections sworn employees in July and the 2% raise they will receive on July 1, 2022, both negotiated under previous contracts.
The newest raises are in addition to the $2,000 retention incentives and the $5,000 premium pay most corrections officers are set to receive.
“I know my team and Lodge 77 worked quickly to get this raise back in front of the members with minimal changes to their contract and I’m glad it was overwhelmingly approved by officers who have served our city proudly,” Fischer said in a press release. “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. These steps will make these critically important jobs more attractive for career-seekers.”
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 in a statement.
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.
Matt Golden, Chief of Public Services, said the 8% raise marks the largest single-year bump in Metro Corrections history.