York police services board, union reach tentative contract agreement

YorkRegion.com
July 28, 2016
Jeremy Grimaldi

A tentative agreement has been struck between the York Regional Police union and the Police Services Board.

The announcement, after months of meetings, comes more than six months after the collective agreement between the parties expired.

It also comes just days before the two parties were to sit down with a conciliator to discuss the contract on Aug. 3.

“The Police Services Board recognizes the personal commitment and professional work of York Regional Police members and we are very pleased a mutually acceptable tentative settlement has been reached,” board chairperson Frank Scarpitti said. “We appreciate the collaborative approach that led to a successful agreement.”

It is a tentative deal and must be still be ratified by the members of the police association.

The announcement was made amid growing tensions between the York Regional Police and its members, who have complained about excessive punishments in regards to their conduct while on duty and what the union calls traffic ticket quotas.

Yorkregion.com reported the number of tickets issued in York Region plummeted 66 per cent since the union began a work-to-rule campaign in late June.

Details for the tentative agreement will be released following ratification.