Wilmington Ordered by State Labor Mediation Board to Reopen Contract Talks with Police Union on Residency Rule

April 12, 2024

Currently, this decision means that the City cannot enforce its residency requirement on present or prospective union staff members.

The Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) of Delaware has instructed the City of Wilmington to resume contract negotiations with its police union, FOP Lodge #1, concerning the city’s five-year residency mandate. Last December, the union filed a complaint with PERB, alleging the city’s failure to address their request for renegotiation on the residency requirement, which they oppose. 

File Photo: Mayor Mike Purzycki gives remarks to the audience during a Promotion and Badge pinning Ceremony Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023; at The Baby Grand in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson

 

Mayor Mike Purzycki’s administration also opposes this requirement. As per the PERB directive, the city will engage with the FOP promptly. City Solicitor Robert Goff noted that the ruling extends to other city unions, such as Fire Local 1590 and AFSCME Locals 1102, 1102B, and 320, due to identical statutory language. 

City Human Resources Director Charlotte B. Barnes emphasized the immediate impact of the PERB decision on the residency mandate, suspending it for current and future union positions until resolution. 

This affects 854 unionized city positions, comprising 77% of the workforce. Mayor Purzycki’s objection to the residency requirement stems from its hindrance in recruiting police officers, firefighters, and other government roles. Last year, he halted enforcement, but a city council vote on November 16, 2023, resulted in its enactment without his signature.