Milwaukee, Akron Police Reach Tentative Labor Deals

The City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Association reached a tentative, voluntary labor agreement Oct. 21 that would cover a majority of department officers; terms were not immediately disclosed and the deal requires ratification by MPA members and the Milwaukee Common Council. The agreement ends a yearslong impasse — officers have been working under an expired contract since the end of 2022 — and earlier public positions showed the city offering roughly mid-single‑digit to 9% increases while the union sought about 12.5–13%; whether the contract includes retroactive back pay, which could cost the city millions, remains unresolved. Separately, Akron’s police union ratified a three‑year contract covering 2025–2027 that provides raises of 5% in 2025 and 4.5% in each of 2026 and 2027 (about 14% total), plus retention bonuses and other benefits. Akron’s agreement also expands management rights, adds civilian staffing for the body‑worn camera unit to free officers for neighborhood duties, and creates three exempt positions in its Office of Professional Standards and Accountability; it includes shift differentials, longevity pay and improved health insurance with modest premium increases. City leaders noted recruitment and retention goals and warned of fiscal impacts, and both developments reflect a broader trend of local governments resolving prolonged police labor disputes with meaningful wage gains.