Rensselaer County reaches agreement with its largest union

The County Legislature voted 18-0 to approve the new contract

TROY, N.Y. >> Rensselaer County employees’ largest union has a new contract after members approved and the County Legislature voted unanimously 18- 0 at Tuesday’s legislative meeting. The new deal was announced by County Executive Steve McLaughlin, along with legislative officials and union leaders.

McLaughlin said he is happy with the approval of the new contract with United Public Service Employees Union, saying the agreement will protect county taxpayers and needed county services while encouraging future efficiencies and strength in the coming years.

“We are proud to have efficiently reached agreement on an important agreement with the county’s largest union. The new contract is fair for taxpayers and employees and will enable Rensselaer County to continue on our mission of providing the best possible service at a cost our residents can afford,” McLaughlin said.

The contract reached in the first year of McLaughlin’s term as County Executive is also notable in that it is the first major county union contract to be approved before the end of the current contract, helping avoid costs for retro pay and lengthy negotiations.

“It is also a positive that this contract is resolved before the Christmas holidays and the end of the current contract, so there is no uncertainty facing the county or employees,” McLaughlin added.

“I think it’s a fair contract and I’m happy that it could be bargained before the current contract expires, especially before the holiday season. It’s always nice to have contracts in place as soon as possible. It’s great for employees, great for the county and great for morale,” Deputy Minority Leader Cindy Doran noted about the contract.

“We are pleased that a fair agreement could be reached before the expiration of the existing contract. We believe the agreement is fair for the dedicated county employees who provide valuable services to county residents and taxpayers each and every day,” UPSEU President Kevin E. Boyle Jr. said.

The agreement spans four years, including 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Under the contract, employees are eligible to receive raises of 1.75 percent and slightly more in later years.

“We are glad we are able to resolve this before the end of the current contract. It allows us to budget appropriately for years into the future. This is the first time in a long time that we have had a contract resolved in such a timely manner,” Chair of the Legislature Mike Stammel said.

“I appreciate the time and effort the employee union and the County Executive’s team put into finalizing this contract. It is good to see a positive outcome for our employees and taxpayers while being fair and equitable to everyone,” Vice Chair of the Legislature Kelly Hoffman added.

Some county employees are also eligible to receive expanded stipend benefits and some shift differential adjustments, along with recruitment incentives. The contract also creates new avenues to streamline the grievance process.

In addition to the efficiently approved contract, McLaughlin this month also saw a unanimous approval of his first budget as County Executive. The 2019 county budget includes no tax increase, is the eighth consecutive county budget under the tax cap, maintains needed services and protects the county’s strong financial ratings to help encourage new investment and job creation.

The approved 2019 budget followed McLaughlin announcing cost- savings of more than $1 million in personnel, purchasing and health benefits, all while maintaining or expanding needed county services.

“We are proud to have efficiently reached agreement on an important agreement with the county’s largest union. The new contract is fair for taxpayers and employees and will enable Rensselaer County to continue on our mission of providing the best possible service at a cost our residents can afford.” — Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin