COBA Members Ratify Pay Deal With Gusto

Members of the Correction Officers Benevolent Association have overwhelmingly approved a new contract with the city that grants an 11.5-percent increase in salary over two years.

The contract, which runs from Nov. 1, 2009 through Oct. 31, 2011, was approved by 98.8 percent of the membership, the union announced Nov. 21. In total, 3,247 voted for the new contract, while only 40 voted against it.

'A Vote of Confidence'

"This is a strong vote of confidence in COBA's leadership," union President Norman Seabrook said in a statement.

The new pact will raise maximum salary to $76,488 by the end of the contract. The contract also included a re-opener to the 2005-2007 agreement, which provides wage increases to match those received by the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association through an arbitration award and a subsequent contract deal. Effective Dec. 1, 2010, the longevity schedule will be increased by $506 at each step. In addition, the city's annual contribution to the Welfare Fund on behalf of each active member and retiree will be increased by $100 per year. Starting salary, which is currently $35,000, will rise to $39,755 on Dec. 1, 2011 for Correction Officers hired after Jan. 1, 2009 after the contract has expired.