Arbitrator Rules Bradenton Violated Labor Agreement, Orders Retroactive Pay for Police

An independent arbitrator has ruled that the city of Bradenton violated its labor agreement by implementing a wage freeze that affected 16 members of the Bradenton Police Department. The decision requires the city to retroactively compensate the impacted officers for pay increases dating back to October 1, 2023, and mandates further wage adjustments.

The ruling comes after the Southwest Florida Police Benevolent Association filed a class action grievance on October 31, 2023, asserting that the city failed to honor contractually agreed step-raises. The freeze impacted 14 police officers and two sergeants.

Arbitrator Theodore H. O’Brien, appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, concluded the city’s actions breached the terms of the labor agreement. In addition to back pay and pay increases, the city has been ordered to cover the $10,000 cost of arbitration and attorney’s fees.

The wage freeze dispute stemmed from disagreements over step-raises, which provide incremental salary increases based on an officer’s experience and position. Arbitration became necessary after the union and city failed to resolve the issue through negotiations.

This decision compensates the officers for the raises they were denied and reinforces contractual labor protections. The Herald-Tribune reached out to the city of Bradenton for comment, but no statement was received before publication.

The case highlights the importance of honoring labor agreements to maintain trust and investment in public safety personnel, ensuring they are compensated in accordance with the service they provide to the community.