After a year and a half, Havre police officers finally have a new contract. The new contract includes improved compensation and benefits for the police officers who serve and protect the Havre community.

Although contract negotiations began in May 2020, the Montana Federation of Public Employees (MFPE), which represents Havre law enforcement, and the City of Havre had still not reached an agreement by October 2021. The city of Havre refused all wage and benefits proposals, forcing MPFE to request mediation which ended in a binding arbitration request on June 8, 2021.

In August, Stephen M. Biersmith was selected by the union and city to serve as arbitrator. Beirsmith found in favor of the Havre police and their union. “The Union’s proposal was affordable, reasonably comparable to other police departments, and in the best interest and welfare of the public,” wrote Mr. Beirsmith. “Based on the foregoing findings and conclusions, the Union’s last, best and final offer should be and is, hereby, selected.”

“We’re delighted by this decision,” said MFPE President Amanda Curtis. “The police officers of Havre deserve to be compensated fairly for their heroic work. Unfortunately, some politicians have dragged their feet and shown borderline contempt for the men and women in blue. We hope this is a wake-up call for the city’s government, which continues to try to strong-arm and shortchange law enforcement.”