Contract negotiations with Teamsters-represented sergeants of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office (“ECSO”) reached a successful conclusion recently with the ratification of a new agreement on March 15.

Thirty sergeants represented by the Teamsters in the ECSO are affected by the new agreement, which was negotiated after a ruling by the Public Employment Relations Board (“PERB”) required that these members remain a part of the larger ECSO Teamster bargaining unit along with deputies and civilian employees. Terms in the recent agreement are similar to those agreed to by deputies and civilian members of the unit, with 2% raises in 2017 and 2018 along with a one-job-group upgrade effective March 1, 2018.

“These negotiations were resolved in short order and show what can be done by realistic, fair and honest negotiators on both sides of the table. Successful negotiations don’t involve shortcuts and gimmicks but require hard work and common vision,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz. “Just as we’ve done a dozen times now, my administration will continue to work with county employees’ unions to negotiate contracts that are fair to workers and to taxpayers.”

The new contract also includes an increase in shift differential, from $0.85 to $1.00. In addition, members may now receive an annual educational stipend, with holders of an Associate’s degree receiving $500, holders of a BA or BS degree receiving $1,000 and holders of an advanced degree receiving $1,500.

# # #