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If ratified, the agreements with the Rockland County Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) and the Rockland Association of Management (RAM) would extend through July 31, Day said in a statement. The prior agreement expired on Dec. 31, 2013.
“We are fortunate to have a dedicated workforce that’s committed to providing essential services for the people of Rockland County,” Day said. “That said, it is my responsibility to negotiate on behalf of our citizens with a priority on protecting our taxpayers.”
According to the statement, CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Larry Sparber said his union will schedule an informational meeting for members to ask all questions.
“It’s obvious to our members that the past several years have been difficult for the public employees of the county,” Sparber said. “CSEA members have always stepped up to do the right thing for both the county and its taxpayers.”
RAM President Tom Micelli said the negotiation process was long and difficult.
“Our members made generous concessions to assist the county as it moves toward financial stability,” he said. “The rank and file will make an important choice in the days ahead.”
According to Day’s statement, the CSEA will hold its informational meetings all take a ratification vote later this month. There was no mention of when RAM leadership would call their meeting. The agreement also must be ratified by the County Legislature.
Several of the key provisions included in the tentative agreements include four vacation days added to vacation leave of eligible employees, a $750 lump sum wage payment to eligible employees to cover 2015 wage increases and a sliding scale of wage increases in 2016 ranging from 4 percent for the lowest paid workers to 0.5 percent for those in the highest tax brackets,
According to Day’s statement, unionized workers in Rockland have not received a wage increase since 2010.
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