More than 32,000 workers at New York’s four uniformed personnel agencies will receive an increase in wages over five years, city authorities reported this Friday.
Members of 11 unions in the New York Police Department (NYPD), Fire Department (FDNY), Sanitation and Department of Corrections will receive retroactive compounding raises of 3.25% the first year, 3.25% the second year, 3.50% the third year, 3.50% the fourth year and the fifth year it will be 4.00%.
This was announced this Thursday by the mayor of the Big Apple, Eric Adams, at the headquarters of the Municipal Administration, where he was accompanied by the commissioner of the Office of Labor Relations (OLR), Renee Campion, and members of the Coalition of unions of Uniformed Officials (UOC), which represents the 11 unions of the agencies, according to the Diario NY.
The unions described the tentative contract, which must now be ratified, as a recognition of their work for the City of New York.
“As a former union member and retired with the rank of captain in the New York City Police Department, I am proud to have reached this important agreement with the Uniformed Officers Coalition,” Adams said.
Meanwhile, the Office of Labor Relations (OLR) commissioner said that the agreement underscores the mayor’s commitment to “invest in the city’s most valuable resource: our people.”
Benny Boscio, president of COBA (Union of City Prison Officers), assured that the agreement with the Big Apple will alleviate the serious crisis that uniformed workers have faced in recent years.
“This economic package is a significant investment in the future of our workforce and jails. We look forward to continuing our productive discussions in our unit bargaining sessions and negotiating the best possible contract for the city’s boldest.” New York,” said the union leader.
Keechant L. Sewell, the NYPD commissioner who announced her removal from office, said the increases for uniformed agency employees are more than deserved.
New York City Fire Department (FDNY) Commissioner Laura Kavanagh also commented on the increases achieved and stressed that they are necessary.
“The men and women of the FDNY are in danger and keeping our city safe is not possible without them. A group of dedicated public servants, consistently operate without hesitation and demonstrate courage at all times, so this agreement is a recognition of that hard work. and dedication,” Kavanagh said.
The announcement of the salary increase also led to calls for similar treatment for vital groups, and they asked the mayor to show his support through investments in the budget.
“Law enforcement members are not the only players in the criminal legal system, and the City has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that public defender organizations, which employ thousands of union employees throughout New York, fully funded as well,” said Tina Luongo, senior attorney at the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice.
The advocate explained that due to years of stagnant investment, Legal Aid and other local advocate offices face challenges such as attrition and staffing.
According to Diario NY, the total cost of the deal through 2027 is approximately $4 billion, fully covered by funds set aside in the 2024 fiscal year executive budget, New York authorities say.
