Bennington Police Association contract includes 14% rise under new agreement
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Bennington Police Department employees represented by United Federation of Police Officers Local 411 will receive a 14 percent across-the-board pay increase under a new collective bargaining agreement approved this week by the Select Board.
The agreement follows the Bennington Police Association’s decision earlier this year to leave the New England Police Benevolent Association (NEPBA) and join the United Federation of Police Officers. Members said the move was to expand their access to more experienced labor representation, legal support and better collective bargaining resources.
The memorandum of agreement was approved Monday by the Select Board after previously being ratified by Local 411 members. The bargaining unit includes police officers, supervisors, dispatchers and other department employees.
The agreement is effective immediately and covers the period from July 1, the start of the current fiscal year, through June 30, 2027.
Town Manager Dan Monks said in a Wednesday release that the agreement “represents a significant investment in the town’s police workforce and its ongoing efforts to address longstanding staffing challenges.”
The department has operated for several years below the staffing levels town officials say the community needs. Bennington has faced the same recruitment and retention pressures affecting many law enforcement agencies in Vermont and across the country.
Town officials said the pay increase is intended to strengthen compensation and make the department more competitive in attracting and retaining public safety employees.
“The Select Board recognizes the essential role our police officers, dispatchers, and supervisory staff play in keeping Bennington safe,” Select Board Chair Tom Haley said. “This agreement reflects the board’s commitment to supporting the members of our Police Department who serve our community every day. It is an important step toward addressing recruitment and retention challenges and ensuring that the town remains competitive in attracting and retaining highly skilled public safety professionals.”
The board also recognized the dedication and professionalism of Local 411 bargaining unit employees during a prolonged period of staffing shortages, saying the agreement is an investment in the employees who have helped sustain the department during challenging circumstances.
Police Chief Paul Doucette has told town boards in recent years that the department has struggled to fill open officer positions and has been at a disadvantage when competing with higher-paying agencies in the region.
UFPO Executive Vice President Christopher Hoar said Local 411 was proud to reach an agreement that recognizes the commitment of Bennington’s law enforcement professionals.
“This agreement is an important investment not only in the department and its employees, but also in the community they serve,” Hoar said. “We appreciate the town’s willingness to work collaboratively toward this outcome and look forward to building upon our already positive relationship.”
A step raise chart included with the agreement lists new top-step hourly pay rates of $54.92 for sergeants, $51.10 for corporal/detectives, $47.23 for patrol officers, $42.70 for the department’s National Crime Information Center coordinator, $39.54 for dispatchers and $36.47 for records personnel.
The UFPO said the settlement reflects the role of highly experienced labor representation and a focused bargaining strategy, while supporting both the employees who serve the community and the long-term strength of public safety services in Bennington.
