Downey approves new four-year contracts with police, fire unions

City of Downey photo

DOWNEY — The Downey City Council on Tuesday approved new four-year labor agreements with the Downey Police Officers’ Association and the Downey Fire Management Association, establishing updated compensation and benefit terms through Dec. 31, 2029.

The agreements replace prior memorandums of understanding that expired at the end of 2025. Negotiations were conducted in accordance with state law and the city’s employer-employee relations ordinance, and both bargaining units ratified the agreements before council approval.

The agreement with the Downey Police Officers’ Association covers sworn police personnel and includes across-the-board salary increases of 5 percent effective Jan. 1, 2026, followed by 4 percent increases effective Jan. 1, 2027, Jan. 1, 2028, and Jan. 1, 2029.

In addition to base wage adjustments, the police contract provides for increases to education incentive pay. Effective July 1, 2027, employees receiving Bachelor’s degree or Advanced POST Certificate pay will receive a 1 percent increase, with an additional 1 percent increase effective Jan. 1, 2029.

The agreement also establishes a new 3.5 percent special assignment pay effective July 1, 2027, for officers assigned to designated units including the Detective Division, Special Enforcement Team, Professional Standards Sergeant, Special Operations Sergeant, Traffic Detective, Accident Investigator, Mental Health Team, School Resource Officer and K-9 assignments.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2028, the police agreement reduces the city’s maximum medical insurance contribution to align with the Peace Officers Research Association of California premium rate under CalPERS. Other updates include revisions to sick leave provisions to comply with newly enacted laws, clarification of departmental practices and a re-opener clause allowing the city to seek discussions on labor cost-saving measures during the term of the contract if necessary.

According to the staff report, the police agreement will increase personnel costs by approximately $1.62 million in the first contract year, $1.57 million in the second year, $1.71 million in the third year and $1.92 million in the fourth year.

The council also approved a successor agreement with the Downey Fire Management Association, which represents Battalion Chiefs and the Assistant Fire Chief.

Under that agreement, members will receive a 5.25 percent across-the-board pay increase effective the start of the pay period that includes Jan. 1, 2026, followed by 5 percent increases effective Jan. 1, 2027, Jan. 1, 2028, and Jan. 1, 2029.

The fire management contract adds a 25-year longevity step beginning in 2028. Effective the start of the pay period that includes Jan. 1, 2028, eligible employees will receive a 9.902 percent longevity adjustment above base hourly rate. That amount increases to 11.402 percent effective the start of the pay period that includes Jan. 1, 2029.

Similar to the police agreement, the fire management contract reduces the city’s maximum medical insurance contribution to the PORAC premium rate effective Jan. 1, 2028, and includes updated sick leave language and a re-opener provision for potential labor cost discussions.

The fire management agreement is projected to increase personnel costs by approximately $85,287 in the first year, $85,491 in the second year, $101,219 in the third year and $117,161 in the fourth year.

Both agreements take effect retroactively to Jan. 1, 2026, and remain in place through Dec. 31, 2029.