Tentative contract reached with officers

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February 13, 2012

JOE LoTEMPLIO Press-Republican The Press Republican Mon Feb 13, 2012, 07:21 AM EST

PLATTSBURGH — The state and a branch of its Correction Officer union have reached a tentative contract agreement that would cover six years.

It includes 0 percent wage increases for 2011 through 2013 and ensures protections against layoffs. It also offers health benefits commensurate with other state bargaining units.

The contract also provides for a 2 percent increase in both 2014 and 2015, nine days of deficit-reduction leave, and adjustments to the health-insurance premium.

The deal would cover the 2,800 members of the New York State Correction Officers and Police Benevolent Association who are not eligible for arbitration and are part of the union's law enforcement group.

These officers typically work at specialized state centers such as the Sunmount Development Disabilities Services Office in Tupper Lake or the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center in Ogdensburg.

"During these difficult fiscal times, shared sacrifice is needed and I am pleased that we have been able to reach a tentative agreement with the law enforcement membership of NYSCOPBA," Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

"By working together we have put forward a fair and reasonable contract that protects the jobs of our men and women in law enforcement."

Among other details in the agreement are:

▶ 3 percent and 4 percent wage increases for 2009-10; same pattern as other units. These increases were previously reserved for in the state budget.

▶ Deficit Reduction Leave of five days this fiscal year and four days next fiscal year, saving $4.3 million. The total deduction for the days comes from the retroactive pay for 2009 through 2011.

▶ Employees will be repaid the value of four days in equal installments starting at the end of the contract term.

▶ Retroactive payments that are scheduled to be paid in two installments next fiscal year .

▶ All changes to health benefits, including premium shifts, will save $8.2 million over the contract period and $2 million annually after 2016.

▶ A labor/management committee to review all leave taken by officers, including annual, personal, sick, workers compensation and the manner of such use.

▶ Officers will receive broad layoff protection, except in certain instances.

The rank and file members of the union are expected to vote on the contract offer next month.

"These are certainly difficult times for New Yorkers, and NYSCOPBA has always pledged to do our part to help the state get through them," Donn Rowe, president of NYSCOPBA, said in a statement.

"With this agreement, Governor Cuomo is recognizing the hard work of our law enforcement members and the valuable service they perform for the public. The governor deserves credit for negotiating a fair contract that considers the needs of our members while also acknowledging New York's fiscal reality."

Email Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com