CSEA Rockland County Unit members approve contract

POMONA, NY (09/12/2012)(readMedia)-- Members of CSEA Rockland County Unit 8350, the largest union representing Rockland County employees, today ratified a three-year contract by an overwhelming margin.

The agreement, which runs Jan. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2013, will now go before the Rockland County Legislature for a vote.

"This agreement helps the county deal with the current financial challenges while preventing future reductions in essential services," said CSEA Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo. "Today's tremendous voter turnout shows our members' dedication to preserving public services at a time when need is at a historic high."

"In approving this memorandum of agreement, our members showed that they recognize the county's current fiscal issues," said CSEA Rockland County Unit 8350 President P.T. Thomas. "We believe we have met our responsibility to help the county through this economic turmoil."

"The sacrifices our members are making should be remembered by everyone in Rockland County," said CSEA Chief Negotiator Larry Sparber. "Our members are middle class people who will feel the impact of the sacrifices in the contract, but they agreed to these sacrifices because it was the right thing for Rockland County."

The agreement, reached at the end of July after months of negotiations, includes:

*A 15% health insurance contribution rate for new employees

*A salary and wage freeze through the life of the contract, with the exception of five year longevity increases or salary increases tied to job promotions

*Deferred payment for a total of 10 work days during certain periods in 2012 and 2013, with compensation for those days taking place on Dec. 1, 2014

*Language preventing layoffs for budgetary reasons through the life of the contract