A LONG AWAITED CONTRACT – Albany County probation officers vote yes to ratify a deal with the city that took three years to finalize. PEF Division 502 Council Leader Michelle Driscoll and Assistant Leader Nicole Yaggle smile after watching the ballots being counted December 27 at PEF headquarters.
Story and Photo By DEBORAH A. MILES
Albany County probation officers finally reached and ratified an agreement with the county in late December. The contract took three years to negotiate. The ballots were counted December 27 at PEF headquarters and 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 last summer by holding protests and encouraging legislators to negotiate a fair and equitable contract.
Dozens of members showed up at county legislative meetings, often creating standing room only in the chamber.
“That show of unity does not go unnoticed,” Driscoll said. “Our members also told the legislators how probation officers saved the county hundreds of thousands of dollars with pre-trial services, and millions of dollars because of our efforts to divert juveniles away from long-term placement.”
The officers’ goal to negotiate a fair contract resulted in a pact they can live with. It 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 also will receive a $1,200 one-time payment, now due.
A significant safety issue was also addressed in the new pact. The contract directs safety equipment be replaced on or before its expiration date. Probation officers have said in the past, items such as bulletproof vests and Mace would remain in use past expiration date
“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 jobs with proper protection.”
“This has been a long struggle, but we feel like a huge weight has been lifted off our shoulders. It’s important for all parties to establish the terms and conditions of employment. This contract, in these times we live in, gives us a sense of security. We are not in limbo anymore,” Driscoll said.
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