Mayor Bill de Blasio announced this week that the City of New York has reached a tentative contract agreement with over 2,100 traffic enforcement agents including both those that issue summonses and those that direct traffic.
The Communication Workers of America – Local 1182 union represented the traffic agents in negotions and the seven year, nine month, 21 day proposed contract provides for 10 percent in raises and includes a one-time $1,000 ratification bonus. It will begin, retroactively, on March 10, 2010 and expire on December 30, 2017.
“Our traffic enforcement agents keep our roads moving and our pedestrians, bikers and drivers safe. This agreement means they’ll get the fair wages they deserve, while protecting New York City’s fiscal health,” said de Blasio. “With 95 percent of our workforce under contract agreement, compared to 0 percent when we took office, we’re continuing to restore a productive and respectful relationship with the men and women who serve our city.”
“I am thrilled that a landmark tentative agreement has been reached between New York City and Traffic Enforcement Agents. This contract builds the foundation to adequately compensate my members who contribute so much toward the greatness of this City,” said President Syed Rahim of CWA Local 1182.
Additionally, the City and Local 1182 have also agreed to create an annuity fund in the amount of $261 per year for each full-time employee, also funded by the contract extension, and to begin gainsharing discussions.
In total, the Municipal Labor Committee and the City have agreed to secure $3.4 billion in health care savings through Fiscal Year 2018, starting with $400 million in FY 2015 and building up to $1.3 million in FY 2018, and $1.3 billion in recurring savings every year thereafter.
These savings are focused on cost-cutting measures that, for the first time, will bend the curve of rising health care costs. The City has met its target of $400 million in savings for FY15 and is on track to meet the FY16 target of $700 million. These savings are guaranteed and enforceable by arbitration.
The total cost of the tentative pact tis $64.4 million minus $44 million in health savings and the city stabilization fund to for a total net cost to the city of $20.3 million.
