NEW AGREEMENT WILL ENSURE STABILITY, FAIRNESS AND EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Rensselaer County has reached an agreement on a contract with the bargaining unit representing the largest group of County employees, the County and United Public Service Employees Union announced today.
The agreement reached after collective bargaining will provide long-term stability and support the County’s mission to provide services to those who live and work in Rensselaer County.
The agreement would be for four years and run from 2023 through 2026. The four-year agreement would provide salary adjustments both sides termed as fair, along with stipend payments to employees.
The agreement is the first to be reached with UPSEU following the pandemic, where County employees were recognized for outstanding and valuable service during COVID.
“This is a fair agreement, reached after productive negotiations, and is a long-term agreement that ensures stability and continuity of services as provided by our partners in public service, the hardworking men and women who serve the County and its residents,” said County Executive Steve McLaughlin.
“The agreement reached with UPSEU is reasonable and responsible and will also help the County continue to effectively manage resources in a way that protects taxpayers and ensures the most efficient delivery of services,” added McLaughlin.
“We are pleased to reach this agreement after good faith negotiations that recognized the extraordinary efforts our members display on the job 24/7, and especially since the pandemic,” said UPSEU President Kevin Boyle. “They’ve really gone above and beyond the call of duty in so many areas, and to his credit, the County Executive saw the same thing we did. We thank him for the significant role he played in bringing these negotiations to a successful and timely conclusion.”
The agreement will be sent to UPSEU members for ratification, and subsequently to the Rensselaer County Legislature for consideration in the coming weeks.