Probation Officers Finally Clinch Contract with Albany County

ALBANY, NY (12/28/2011)(readMedia)-- Albany County probation officers represented by the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) voted yes to ratify a contract with Albany County that took three years to negotiate. The ballots were counted December 27 at PEF headquarters. The count was 53 in favor of the deal and 24 opposed.

PEF Division 502 Council Leader Michelle Driscoll said, "This is absolutely wonderful. This is the best contract we could reach with the county."

The probation officers have been working without a contract since January 1, 2009, and turned up the heat on Albany County legislators during this past summer by holding protests and encouraging legislators to negotiate a fair and equitable contract.

The result is a pact that includes a 3 percent raise for 2009 with limited retroactivity, zero raises for 2010 through 2012, and a 2 percent salary increase in 2013. Members will also receive a $1,200 one-time payment, now due since the members voted to ratify the deal

.A significant safety issue was also addressed in the new pact. The contract directs that safety equipment will be replaced on or before it reaches its expiration date. Probation officers have said in the past, items such as bullet proof vests and mace would remain in use past expiration dates.

"We are glad to see this addition to the contract," said Assistant Council Leader Nicole Yaggle. "Our members risk their lives to keep Albany's citizens safe by monitoring and enforcing conditions of release for thousands of offenders. Now we can do our job with proper safety protection."

PEF represents 55,000 professional, scientific and technical state employees, including the nearly 100 Albany County probation officers.

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