Cuomo administration reaches tentative deal with state prison guard union
The Cuomo administration announced yesterday that a deal had been struck with the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (NYSCOPBA). This from the announcement.
This is the first negotiated agreement between the state and NYSCOPBA since 1999. NYSCOPBA and New York State were unable to agree on a contract for 9 years prior to this agreement.
The agreement resolves outstanding wage and contractual issues dating to 2009 and follows the pattern of recently negotiated contracts. The contract is tentative pending ratification by NYSCOPBA membership.
Donn Rowe, NYSCOPYBA’s president, issued a statement:
“NYSCOPBA members have some of the most dangerous jobs in New York, and they have never asked for more than their fair share. On behalf of the hard-working NYSCOPBA membership, I want to thank Governor Cuomo and his staff for the respectful tone of these negotiations, and I want to credit the Governor for acknowledging the difficult job our correction members have. They perform a valuable service to protect all New Yorkers everyday.”
Here are some of the details of the tentative agreement:
The agreed upon contract will save approximately $106 million from employee health benefits over the term of the agreement. In addition, the agreement will save $50 million from the Deficit Reduction Program covering the 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 fiscal years.
Zero percent wage increases for the three years 2011-2013, and 2% increases in 2014 and 2015.
A $1,000 retention bonus paid out $775 in 2013 and $225 in 2014.
Deficit Reduction Leave of nine days (unpaid leave).
One retroactive payment that is scheduled to be paid before the end of the calendar year, only if possible.
Health insurance premium share increase by 6% for both individual and families, making the share 16% for individuals and 31% for dependent premiums.
Officers will receive layoff protection identical to that provided to other unions in labor agreements negotiated since last year.
Workforce reductions due to management decisions to close or restructure facilities authorized by legislation, SAGE recommendations or material or unanticipated changes in the state’s fiscal circumstances are not covered by this limitation.
Somehow I’m guessing their performance reviews won’t be made available for public lynching, I mean consumption, like is trying to be done to the teachers.
On par with the other unions. Wise decision by all.
I assume the 0% raises for three years means cost-of-living raises. Will NYSCOPYBA members continue to receive “step” raises for years of service? What are the “steps?”
Once to pay grade, I think they get steps about every 5 years of service. steps are usually around 2 % increases but varies per union.