NEWS RELEASE
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF YORK POLICE SERVICES BOARD
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The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is pleased to announce the renewal of the expired Uniform and Civilian Working Agreements with the York Regional Police Association (YRPA) as of Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020.
“After several months of negotiations with the York Regional Police Association, the Police Services Board reached a fair and fiscally responsible deal,” said Town of East Gwillimbury Mayor Virginia Hackson, Chair of the Police Services Board. “The current and future challenges as a result of COVID-19 had an impact on the negotiations, and the parties agreed to defer implementation of certain changes to later in the term of the agreement and to defer associated costs as a result.”
Details of the agreement include an annual wage increase of approximately 2.12 per cent over the term of the five-year contract, totalling 10.6 per cent, a frontline response premium equivalent to other GTA services but introduced on a gradual basis beginning in 2022 and increases to psychological benefits for members.
Enhancements of the agreement will be gradually implemented over the term of the agreement. These deferrals will assist with absorbing this year’s revenue and budget pressures associated with COVID-19 and provide an opportunity for longer-term planning.
These agreements are consistent with other GTA comparators and will bring York Regional Police to parity with Toronto Police Service and Peel Regional Police. The agreements also help avoid risks associated with interest arbitration.
The collective agreements between the parties expired on Dec. 31, 2019 and the YRPA membership voted in favor of ratifying the agreements on Oct. 16, 2020.
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