I.U.P.A. Local Lake County Police Association, #72 has ratified a new three-year contract retroactive to the beginning of 2024!

Executive Board leaders, President Dave Murchek, and First Vice President Larry Obregon began negotiation talks last May of 2023 with members of the Lake County Council negotiating team.

Negotiations became quite contentious when the Council asked Local 72 to give up overtime and reduce vacations as well as require pension contribution reductions. In exchange, the County offered only 1% to 2% raises over three years. An agreement could not be reached by the end of 2023 and Local 72 members continued working under the old CBA.

Local 72 members then began a public relations outreach campaign, which included support from local building unions, trade unions, steel worker union locals, and Northwest Indiana Federation of Labor who assisted in filling the Council chambers with workers holding signs demanding a fair contract. Local 72 also had the support of Sheriff Oscar Martinez, who stood strong with the union.

With these efforts and support in place, I.U.P.A. Local Lake County Police Association, #72 ratified a three-year contract, which included:

  • 7% raise in 2024
  • 5% raise in 2025
  • 4% raise in 2026
  • Without Local 72 losing any benefits or giving up anything!

President Dave Murchek and First Vice President Larry Obregon were able to keep members united along with other locals, which is a perfect example of how labor sticking together works for all.