Governor Cuomo and NYSCOPBA Announce Tentative Contract Agreement
Source: Office of the Governor
On June 18, 2012 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Donn Rowe, President of the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, Inc. (NYSCOPBA), issued a press release announcing that a contract agreement between the State and the Union representing New York State's correction officers. The agreement is subject to ratification by the members of NYSCOPBA.
The proposed 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.
NYSCOPBA’s Security Services unit is composed of correction officers and sergeants assigned to prisons in the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Members of NYSCOPBA have not had a contract since 2008 and opted out of arbitration for the years 2009 through 2011. The press release reports that "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 proposed agreement."
NYSCOPBA’s Security Services unit is composed of correction officers and sergeants assigned to prisons in the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Members of NYSCOPBA have not had a contract since 2008 and opted out of arbitration for the years 2009 through 2011. The press release reports that "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 proposed agreement."
Highlights of the agreement, which will require ratification by the NYSCOPBA membership, include:
• 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.
• 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.