The Erie County Department of Labor Relations and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office have announced that the Erie County Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association (“PBA”) has ratified a tentative agreement reached last week between the three parties. By a vote of 89-6, the PBA agreed to a new five-year pact that will be in effect from January 1, 2017 until December 31, 2021.

“I thank the PBA leadership for coming to the table to negotiate in good faith a contract that is fair to their membership and fair to county residents and taxpayers. I also thank the membership of the PBA for their support of the agreement and the overwhelming approval shown in the ratification vote. This contract demonstrates what can happen when two committed parties avoid gimmicks and shortcuts to iron out a responsible agreement that protects all involved,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.  “I also thank Commissioner of Labor Relations Steve Miller for his unflagging determination to complete this contract and for guiding the process from our side. Erie County personnel are the backbone of our government, providing services, supports, and protection to residents every day, and my administration places a high priority on settling contract issues with our unions.”

PBA membership wages will increase by 13% over the life of the contract, which also includes an increase in shift differential from the current 85 cents to one dollar. Contract negotiations also produced new efficiencies in the areas of court time, report time, and additional sick leave along with a number of changes to work rules. Other negotiated items include the addition of an option for PBA members to enroll in the county’s Bronze Plan for health insurance; an increase in the health insurance waiver payment to $450 per month for a family coverage plan and $300 per month for a single coverage plan; and increased caps on health insurance premium sharing, with active employees caps’ increased to $6,000 and retirees to $8,000.