At its August 13 meeting, the Plainsboro Township Committee approved a three-year contract with the Policeman’s Benevolent Association, (PBA) Local 319, which represents the Plainsboro Police Department.
The contract is retroactive to January 1, 2014, and runs through December 31, 2016. It includes a 2 percent salary increase each year.
The contract gives employees additional financial benefits. For instance, in terms of overtime, the contract provides for an increase in “extra duty” pay by $10 per hour to $70; however, work with community organizations is exempt. In addition, the “fitness exam bonus” will be increased to $400 for an “exceptional” score and $300 for a “superior” score.
Moreover, employees can accumulate up to 60 hours of compensatory time. However, in the event of the death of a current spouse or child, officers may only take up to 10 working days of leave.
Regarding regular work assignments, the contract specifies that officers will be provided a minimum of 10 days’ notice prior to any change in shifts.
Financial reductions include clothing reimbursement and tuition reimbursement. Starting on January 1, 2015, the clothing reimbursement for officers assigned to plainclothes duty will be eliminated. Also, tuition reimbursement will be capped by dollar amount as well as number of degrees. The township will only reimburse officers for earning one bachelor’s degree and one master’s degree, and education reimbursement for the entire department will be capped at $40,000 per year, totaling $120,000 over the three-year term of the contract. Officers will be reimbursed in order of seniority.
