Oneida County & Sheriff's Office agree on new contract By Ray Durso
County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. recently announced that a collective bargaining agreement has been reached between Oneida County, the Sheriff’s Office and the union that represents corrections and court employees.
The new four-year agreement covers Correction Officers, Court Security Officers, Court Attendants, and civilian clerical support and was approved by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department Employees Local 1249, Council 82 union by a vote of 106-4.
“I am happy that we could come to an agreement that is advantageous to both our employees and our county taxpayers,” Picente said. “I believe that this contract is fair to all sides involved. It gives our valued employees better compensation and benefits for the important role they play in this community and it provides Sheriff Maciol with what he needs to manage them to the best of his ability. All the while, it keeps Oneida County competitive in recruiting and retaining these positions. I would like to thank both negotiation teams for their hard work and tireless effort to bring this matter to conclusion.”
Photo from Oneida County Sheriff
“Today is a great and well-deserved day for the men and women of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Department Employees Local 1249,” said Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol. “I was proud to be at the negotiation table with all parties so that a fair agreement could be reached. This agreement will assist the Sheriff’s Office greatly with recruitment and retention. I want to also specifically thank Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and his team, along with Local 1249 President Luis Roman and his team, for their steadfast commitment in reaching this historic agreement.”
The contract is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022 and runs through Dec. 31, 2025. Negotiations began in March between a county team comprised of chief negotiator Amanda Cortez-Kolasz, Oneida County Commissioner of Personnel; Thomas Keeler, Oneida County Budget Director; Sheriff Maciol and Undersheriff Joseph Lisi and Local 1249, Council 82 chief negotiator Ennio Corsi and a team that included union President Luis Roman.
"This is a fair and responsible agreement that is in the best interest of everyone concerned – the County, the Sheriff’s Office, the taxpayers and our members – and the vote reflected that fact,” Roman said. “It addresses the significant employee recruitment and retention issues, and it demonstrates the very strong support and commitment of County Executive Picente and Sheriff Maciol to the county’s Corrections and Court employees and their mission. Without them, this good contract would not have been possible." Also on Wednesday, the collective bargaining agreement was unanimously approved by the Oneida County Board of Legislators.
Highlights of the agreement:
Salary
-New salary for J Scale (Correction Officers) and C Scale (civilian titles) retroactive Jan. 1.
-Correction Officers after training increases from starting salary of $43,609 to $48,922.
-Training rate goes from 85% of starting salary to 90%.
-Court Security Officers starting increases from $27,672 to $37,659.
-Court Attendant starting salary increase from $25,630 to $31,562.
-On-Step increase: 3% each year 2023-2025
-Off-Step increase: 4% each year 2023-2025
Longevity
-$1,000 in longevity pay upon five years of service.
-$200 per year after that, for up to 25 years of service.
-Longevity payments cap at $5,000 after 25 years.
Shift differential
-Increased by 15 cents per hour on A & C lines.
Field Training Pay
-Additional $2 per hour for any hours worked as a Field Training Officer.
Retirement
-The cash value of accrued and unused sick days in excess of 165 days can be applied to the qualifying employee’s medical insurance premium payment upon reaching retirement age.
Holidays
-Juneteeth added as a paid holiday.
Special thanks to The Genesis Group for this article. The Genesis Group is a civic organization that unites Business and Community Leaders working to advance regional Economic, Social and Cultural interests, and to foster unity and cooperation in the Mohawk Valley region of Upstate New York.
