News Releases

Febuary 7th, 2012
Collective Agreement for Bridgewater Police Service

The Town of Bridgewater and the APA (Atlantic Police Association) Local 108, formerly known as PANS Local 108, reached a collective agreement on February 1, 2012 through a Mediation/Arbitration process. The new Collective Agreement runs retroactively from April 1st, 2008 to March 31, 2014. Separate agreements were also included with the Towns of Amherst, and New Glasgow and their respective Police Locals through the same process.

The award ordered by arbitrator Bruce OUTHOUSE, of Halifax, provides for pension plan reform that resolves
the long outstanding issues related to governance and liability funding. The Award also provides for a
competitive wage package. Officers will receive an average annual increase of 4.04% over the six (6) year life
of the deal, resulting in salaries consistent with similar sized police forces and comparable communities in Nova
Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

Bridgewater Mayor Carroll PUBLICOVER noted that the process has been a long one and all involved have
worked extremely hard to resolve it. “This was not a one-sided effort. Both parties understood the issues
extremely well and both parties made important concessions to get this done. This is a very positive step
forward in labour relations for both our police officers and the town. Also, I am pleased with the combined
efforts of the towns to mutually achieve a positive outcome for all parties involved.”

Constable Morgan GIBSON, a member of the union negotiating team, says “our union membership is very
pleased to have this long-standing issue resolved. The union and management have worked hard throughout
this long and complex process. We are happy to be moving forward on a positive note. Our members take
great pride in their work and have demonstrated such dedication in a sometimes difficult work environment.
The members have a unique, respectful, and positive working relationship with the Town of Bridgewater, and
are proud to serve the people of this community.

“This agreement addresses the long standing pension issues and, at the same time, ensures that our officers
are paid a competitive wage”, explains Bridgewater’s Chief Administrative Officer Ken SMITH. “This
arbitration award has mandated shared liability of solvency payments related to the pension plan and a
commitment to work towards a jointly sponsored pension plan. Now we can get to work on ensuring that the
pension plan works to the benefit of our officers, knowing at the same time that our costs are well defined.”

Bridgewater Police Chief John COLLYER says, “ I want to thank our members and staff for their unflagging
dedication to their community. Despite often difficult negotiations, they have continued to serve their community
in a professional manner. I believe this new Collective Agreement will provide long term stability for Municipal
policing for the Town of Bridgewater as it puts to bed the long-standing dispute over the members’ pension
plan.

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