Town of Colonie Contract Ratified

Negotiating a renewal of an existing contract during less than great economic times has proven difficult, but negotiating a new contract word by word and issue by issue during these times is an even greater challenge.  However, the Town of Colonie Administrative Unit employees now have their first union contract.

The unit joined UPSEU over twelve months ago, after having remained one of the largest town units in the state who were non-union.  The 240 member unit will now be covered by a long term agreement that includes retroactive pay. The group approached UPSEU after the town administration proposed to remove a number of significant benefits.  As a result of UPSEU filing a petition, the employer was prohibited from cutting benefits, and as a result of the new contract no benefits were lost and our new members will have significant improvements and contract language that protects their rights.

Improvements include annual wage increases, longevity increases, uniform allowance for employees required to wear uniforms, administrative leave time at time and one-half for overtime worked for FSLA exempt employees.  Part-time employees will receive a significant hourly rate adjustment in addition to the annual wage increases.  Part-time employees also will be entitled to expanded leave benefits for the first time ever. By an almost unanimous decision, members voted overwhelmingly to approve the agreement.

President Kevin E. Boyle, Jr. praised the efforts of UPSEU’s Executive Vice President Gary M. Hickey for his timeless efforts, and as well applauded Regional Coordinator Kathy Wright for her assistance throughout the process. Gary Hickey, commenting on the efforts, could not say enough for the work of the negotiating team stating, “This has been a lengthy process, negotiating every word, all while gaining significant improvements, and as importantly, having no givebacks.  Our team fought gallantly, devoting their own time and now have an agreement they can be very proud of.”