State Gives 13% Pay Raise To Rent Workers

By REUVEN BLAU

The Spitzer administration has announced a tentative contract settlement with 325 District Council 37 members who work for the state that would provide 13 percent in raises over four years and double the location pay for workers assigned to the downstate region.

The proposed agreement, which would run from April 2, 2007 through April 1, 2011, is similar to the financial terms negotiated by the Civil Service Employees Association in late October.

Rent Service Workers

The contract must be ratified by the state workers in the Rent Regulation Services Unit at the State Division of Housing and Community Renewal. They will vote Jan. 8.

Upon ratification, the union members would receive a 3-percent raise retroactive to April 2, 2007. The deal also includes two more 3-percent hikes effective April 1, 2008 and April 1, 2009 and a 4-percent raise on April 1, 2010.

The tentative agreement also would create a statewide availability of a pre-tax transportation program that is designed to reduce employee commuting costs and promote a cleaner environment. The proposed contract also would continue support for the Employee Benefit Fund, Meal Allowances, and Labor Management Committees.

Upon ratification, the basic medical deductibles and co-pays for emergency room visits and hospital outpatient surgeries and other medical costs would be "modestly" increased, according to the state.