Police lieutenants' union contract for 2027
Summary
The LELS 538 agreement gives bigger cost-of-living increases to higher ranks to fix compression that made promoting to investigator or sergeant unattractive. A citywide class and compensation study is underway.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 1
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 8, 2026.
Impact analysis
Includes a market adjustment dating back three years to keep DPD wages competitive for recruitment.
Police officers gain promotion incentives; the department improves retention.
Councilor Clanaugh raised equity concerns for the broader workforce in a tight budget year.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Duluth African Heritage Commission — October 8, 2026
A new contract with LELS 363 covering police lieutenants — separate from the sergeants/patrol deal passed in September. Pulled for further discussion at Councilor Durrwachter's request.
Duluth African Heritage Commission — September 10, 2026
The LELS 538 agreement gives bigger cost-of-living increases to higher ranks to fix compression that made promoting to investigator or sergeant unattractive. A citywide class and compensation study is underway.
We'll email you when it's on an upcoming agenda and when it's voted on, at most once a day.
The weekly brief for Duluth
What the council decided, in plain English — one email a week.
Free. Unsubscribe with one click any time. We never sell your email.