After over a year of negotiations, Ulster County and its 1,300 member CSEA have reached a tentative agreement on a new four year contract.
The contract includes no pay raise in the first two years, a 1.75 percent raise in the third year, 2013, and a two percent raise in the fourth year, 2014. The pact dates back to January 1, 2011 and extends to December 31, 2014.
Union President Todd Schmidt said the contract is a fair agreement, not concessionary, and includes cost of living increases in the last two years. One issue was of concern, but Schmidt realizes the reality of it. New employees will pay 20 percent of their healthcare benefits.
“It is an increase and we recognize that but because of the economic times that we are in, this agreement is also comparable with other agreements that are being reached around the region and around the state and we’re pleased with it,” Schmidt said.
Rank and file will vote on the agreement on August 27.
“We are fortunate to have an excellent workforce that’s committed to providing essential services for the people of Ulster County,” said County Executive Michael Hein.
