Third Successful Contract Negotiation by Administration; Membership Votes 3-1 to Approve New Contract

 ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz announced the ratification of a new contract with the Erie County Sheriff’s PBA, following membership’s 93-35 vote on Tuesday to approve the agreement. The new agreement marks the third successful contract negotiation conducted by the Poloncarz administration, after reaching agreements with the CSEA Local 815 Erie County Corrections Officer unit and Teamsters Local 264 last year.

 “I thank the PBA membership for recognizing the economic realities in Erie County and coming to the negotiating table with fair and reasonable expectations,” said Poloncarz. “Both sides worked through a mediator to construct an agreement that is fair to PBA members and to taxpayers, and we were successful. My administration will continue to work on settling contracts with remaining units in the same way, with honest and open discussions leading to equitable solutions.”

 PBA President Dan Walczak said, “We are excited about the new contract. The PBA has been without a contract for a number of years, and this new contract covers several years, so we are delighted to reach an agreement.”

 The Sheriff’s PBA had been working under a contract that expired on December 31, 2008. Under the newly-ratified agreement, covering the period from January 1, 2009 – January 1, 2016, members will be enrolled in the Value Health Insurance Plan as the base plan, paying 15% of the premium through a bi-weekly deduction.  Employees who choose the Enhanced Plan or Core Plan for health insurance will pay the difference between that Plan and the Value Plan, plus 15% for the Value Plan. Additionally, upon retirement pre-65 retirees will contribute 15% of their health care costs. The unit will see a 0% retroactive pay increase for 2009; 0% for 2010; 0% for 2011; 2.5% for 2012; 2.5% for 2013; 2.5% for 2014; 2.5% for 2015; and 3% for 2016. Active employees will also receive a signing bonus of $750.00 for each year on the active payroll from 2009-2011.

 The ratified contract will require approval from the Erie County legislature prior to taking effect.