By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor
Since the 1970s, the Royal Oak Police Officers Association (ROPOA) has represented itself, with the help of a hired labor attorney. But changing times led them to seek formal representation with the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC).
“Over the years, there’s been the ask and the push by the membership to maybe join a bigger union.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced Feb. 25 that retroactive benefits payments have started to be issued and beneficiaries impacted by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and/or the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will begin receiving their full benefits.
It’s not too late to register for a Karoub Associates webinar today, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m., exclusively for clients, to detail the new Earned Sick Time Act that took effect Feb. 21. Please RSVP to dlawrence@karoub.com to attend the webinar and see the full February 2025 Karoub Report for more details.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave her State of the State address last night, Feb.
Check out the Winter 2025 Police Officers Journal and save the date for this year’s POLC/GELC Annual Labor Conference being hosted at a new lakeshore venue!
As the POLC and GELC continue to expand, the Unions recently welcomed four new member units who share their reasons for joining and their experiences becoming members.
New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2027.
Wages:
5% increase effective July 1, 2024.
3% increase effective July 1, 2025.
3% increase effective July 1, 2026.
Health Care: The Employer provided a 5% reduction in health care premium costs to members. The Dental coverage annual benefit increased to $1,500 per person.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer released her Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Budget recommendations on Feb. 5, which includes a 4 percent ongoing increase in revenue sharing, supporting police and fire, fixing roads, and quality of life improvements for Michigan residents.
The Governor’s recommended state budget totals $83.5 billion, which includes a general fund totaling $15.3 billion.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) posted on its website a detailed update and frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82), including what it does, who it impacts, and what retirees can expect. Click here for the FAQ. NAPO would like to highlight the last FAQ question: “What challenges does SSA face implementing the Social Security Fairness Act.
Contract extension expires June 30, 2025.
Wages:
4% increase effective July 1, 2024.
Fringe Benefits: Employees will receive an increased Clothing Allowance from $350 to $400.
Bargaining Team: Steward David Klein aided by GELC Labor Representative Joe Stone.
The 103rd Michigan Legislature held their first session days of the 2025-2026 term on Jan. 8. The House of Representatives unanimously elected Representative Matt Hall (R-Richland) as Speaker and Representative Rachelle Smit (R-Shelbyville) as Speaker Pro Tempore. Speaker Hall announced he is restructuring the House Appropriations subcommittees.
FY26 Budget Book (1).pdf
