Yesterday, ALXnow published an article about the City of Alexandria's collective bargaining negotiations with the Southern States Police Benevolent Association (SSPBA) that inaccurately described parts of the City’s proposal. To ensure the public has accurate information, below is a summary of the items before the City Council this evening. Full proposals and the factfinder’s report are available on the Council docket at alexandriava.gov/Dockets.

Wages

The City proposes major, competitive pay increases, including:

• 17.21% increase in starting salary for Police Officers (to $75,000),
• 21% for Lieutenants, 15% for Sergeants,
• Annual step increases of 3.5% (steps 0–5) and 3% (steps 6–13), and
• A 0.5% market adjustment in FY28 and FY29.

A Police Officer at Step 0 would receive an over 31% total increase over the course of their contract.

Longevity Bonus

A longevity bonus compensates employees who are at the top of their pay scale and no longer receive step increases. The City proposes increasing this bonus by 20% to $1,200 per year.

Reopener

SSPBA seeks to reopen wage negotiations every year.

The City does not include a wage reopener, as annual renegotiations would undermine the stability of the City’s three-year bargaining cycle.

Progress to Date

47 of 50 articles have been successfully negotiated. Remaining differences involve wages, longevity, and the reopener provision.

The City’s proposal strengthens competitiveness, supports retention, and maintains fiscal responsibility. Full details are available in today’s Council docket.