On July 26, the Eastern Michigan University Police Officers Association of Michigan chapter ratified a new contract with the university.
It was approved by the EMU Board of Regents on Aug. 21.
“I'm proud of the POAM leadership that negotiated the terms of this agreement,” said executive director of public safety and chief of EMU police, Matthew Lige.
The contract, which will last until 2026, includes increases to compensation and changes to the structure of the union’s healthcare plan.
Over the course of the three-year contract, EMU officers will see an 8.75% pay increase.
Another change implemented was a 12-hour shift schedule.
“This provides a better work-life balance for officers and helps the university recruit and retain quality police officers,” said EMU POAM union president, Timothy Siecinski.
It is common for police officers to be members of a union. Union membership provides representation for employees and collective bargaining power.
Many employees on EMU’s campus are unionized.
“Many aspects of your experience here are a result of people who work in unions,” said Siecinski.
Students should expect few changes due to this contract implementation. The main expectations for EMU police officers will continue to include law enforcement and things like“, event security, traffic control, courtesy rides, damage assessment, vehicle jumpstarts, and unlocks,” according to Siecinski.
The EMU police force also serves an important role in supporting the Ypsilanti and Washtenaw county departments. With the departments bolstering one another, crisis response times can be decreased.
EMU PD partners with other campus departments and offices like Counseling and Psychological Services and the Office of Wellness and Community Responsibility to provide education and programming.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or EMU PD dispatch at 734-487-1222.
