After extended negotiations, Akron Mayor Malik and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #7 have managed to reach a tentative agreement on a new contract for the city's police force. In a statement released by Mayor Malik, he expressed relief and satisfaction at the conclusion of the lengthy bargaining process, which will see a significant raise in wages for the police personnel over the next three years. The new contract includes provisions for a 5% wage increase in 2025, followed by raises of 4.5% in each of the subsequent two years. According to the City of Akron's official website, this increment amounts to "the largest wage increase in at least the last 30 years."
Mayor Malik described the new contract as a comprehensive package, noting, according to the City of Akron's official website, "This tentative agreement includes wage increases of 5% in 2025, 4.5% in 2026, and 4.5% in 2027. This 14% raise over the three-year contract represents the largest wage increase in at least the last 30 years of our labor negotiations. In addition, this contract includes a retention bonus, shift differential, longevity pay, and strong health insurance coverage." The agreement also contemplates modest increases to the premium contributions that employees must pay for health insurance. Akron's leadership is pitching the deal as a gesture of respect toward the police and a strategic move to competitively attract and retain officers.
Moreover, the new contract will introduce added managerial authorities, aligning with what state law generally confers. It proposes civilian staff for the Body Worn Camera Unit, theoretically freeing up officers to attend more directly to community needs. The addition of three exempt positions within the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability (OPSA) will provide further flexibility in oversight and internal accountability.
Looking ahead, Mayor Malik is preparing to address how these changes will integrate into the city's overall fiscal strategy, stating that in the 2026 budgeting cycle, the city will "share more about how we intend to move forward with our overall city budget," according to the City of Akron. Acknowledging the obstacles ahead, he thanked the Akron Police employees for their service, signifying the administration's intent to carefully balance these new commitments with the larger picture of the city's economic health.
The council's vote on this new legislation, if affirmative, will finalize the terms for the police union for 2025 through 2027, drawing to a close a vital chapter in Akron’s labor relations history. Mayor Malik is set to present the legislation funding this agreement to the Akron City Council for consideration on October 27.
