Probation Union Deal Grants Two 4% Hikes And 'Welfare' Boost

The United Probation Officers Association has tentatively agreed to a new two-year contract with the city, one that is largely similar to the contract formalized with Teamsters Local 237 two weeks ago.

DOMINIC COLUCCIO: 'Get it while you can.'

The two-year contract will offer two 4-percent raises and another quarter-percent in fringe benefits, with a $400 lump sum being paid to members' welfare fund. "Based on everything, I think it's a very fair offer from the city," said Dominic Coluccio, the union's president. "They're going to let us resolve or to some extent answer the problems that we have with special assignments."

Deal's Productivity Component

One difference in the contract is the inclusion of meetings with the city on assignment differentials, which will be funded by the union "through productivity ... and maybe future employee benefits," according to Mr. Coluccio. "It's not costing the city any more money." He said the meetings would particularly concentrate on the issue of union members who are armed with firearms on certain jobs.

"The main reason we did it is, look what's going on around us," he added, referring to Wall Street's financial collapse. "It seems to be a pretty good deal anyway, and I don't want to take any chances ... to wait for another half a percent, quarter percent, to take a chance ... I don't think it's worth it."

The deal has been presented to members and will be voted on this week, with final results due Oct. 3.