Story and Photos by Darcy Wells
Albany County probation officers testified at a grievance hearing in October detailing how a recently imposed unpaid furlough plan violates their contract.
On September 22 they brought their fight to the front door of the county executive’s Albany office in a joint rally with members of the Civil Service Employees Association.
Now, the county executive has included layoffs in his budget proposal, including the elimination of a probation assistant.
“Cuts in the Department of Probation mean cuts to safety,” said Eric Mantey, PEF Division 502 council leader.
Mantey pointed out the probation department actually saves taxpayer dollars.
“It’s right in the county budget,” Mantey said.
“Probation is the most cost effective sanction available to the courts, allowing taxpayers significant financial savings each year.”
PEF President Ken Brynien sent a letter to the county executive outlining the safety risks as a result of the furloughs and layoff.
The five-day furlough is spread out over the last five months of the year and amounts to a salary cut of 1.9 percent.
“The furloughs altered work hours and the workweek,” said Region 8 Coordinator Bill Wurster.
“It violates the provisions they are guaranteed under their contract, which is the basis of our griev
ance.”
“Probation plays an integral role in the safety of the community and it’s visitors,” Manety added.
Probation officers have been working under an expired contract since December 31, 2008. Contract negotiations began last August.
Albany County probation officers testified at a grievance hearing in October detailing how a recently imposed unpaid furlough plan violates their contract.
On September 22 they brought their fight to the front door of the county executive’s Albany office in a joint rally with members of the Civil Service Employees Association.
Now, the county executive has included layoffs in his budget proposal, including the elimination of a probation assistant.
“Cuts in the Department of Probation mean cuts to safety,” said Eric Mantey, PEF Division 502 council leader.
Mantey pointed out the probation department actually saves taxpayer dollars.
“It’s right in the county budget,” Mantey said.
“Probation is the most cost effective sanction available to the courts, allowing taxpayers significant financial savings each year.”
PEF President Ken Brynien sent a letter to the county executive outlining the safety risks as a result of the furloughs and layoff.
The five-day furlough is spread out over the last five months of the year and amounts to a salary cut of 1.9 percent.
“The furloughs altered work hours and the workweek,” said Region 8 Coordinator Bill Wurster.
“It violates the provisions they are guaranteed under their contract, which is the basis of our griev
ance.”
“Probation plays an integral role in the safety of the community and it’s visitors,” Manety added.
Probation officers have been working under an expired contract since December 31, 2008. Contract negotiations began last August.
Albany Co. Probation officers fight furloughs