Franklin County Members Approve Agreement

UPSEU Franklin County members approved a new five year agreement that will, in addition to providing percentage wage increases exceeding those of surrounding counties, increase shift differentials and mileage allowance reimbursement and as well, provide a new bereavement leave benefit. Numerous other improvements were achieved in the pact.

The agreement was achieved with the assistance of a New York PERB mediator. A recommendation by the mediator included increases in the premium payment for health coverage, but not to the level sought by the County. The County had wanted substantial increases to bring them on par with surrounding counties. The mediator did not agree and put forth modest increases that will sustain health costs at levels below those of counties in the north region.

The employees have a self insured health plan that rates at the top of north region plans.

The difficult negotiations could not have had a positive result without the hard work of the negotiating team of Gary Lewis, Michelle McGeachie, Reiko Rexilius-Tuthill, Pauline Rivers, Suzanne Savage and Scott Smith.

President Boyle commended the work of UPSEU Executive Vice President Gary M. Hickey and Labor Relations Representative Phil Sedlock for their great efforts in leading the team.