BTOs Approve Pact Giving Incumbents 10.5% Raises; Starting Pay Frozen
By TOMMY HALLISSEY
Bridge and tunnel cops July 17 overwhelmingly ratified a new 38-1/2-month contract by the largest approval margin in memory for the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association.

JOE MAURO: Downplays hit on 'unborn.'

The contract, which was approved by an 84-percent margin, brings a 10.5-percent increase over three years. Union members will receive a 3-percent raise retroactive to March 1, 2006; a 4-percent hike retroactive to March 1, 2007; and 3.5-percent retroactive to this March 1, under a contract which expires on May 17, 2009. The deal also freezes starting pay at $36,900 for the life of the contract, however.

Cite Law-Enforcement Differential

The union said the jump in salary recognized the increased role of Bridge and Tunnel Officers in fighting terrorism since 9/11, as did what it called a "ground-breaking" $200 law-enforcement differential. "It was a long and difficult negotiation process, but we didn't leave the table until we could come away with a package commensurate with the services provided by bridge and tunnel cops," said Joe Mauro, president of the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association.

Top salary for bridge and tunnel cops will increase from $52,714 to $58,444 over the life of the pact, with corresponding boosts in differentials and fringe benefits.

Notably, union members will continue to pay nothing toward their health coverage despite a Metropolitan Transportation Authority effort to get them to pay out-of-pocket on an escalating percentage basis. Other MTA unions including Transport Workers Union Local 100 have members pay as much as 1.5 percent of their gross wages toward health insurance.

Despite its successes, the bridge and tunnel cops were not able to get away from the bargaining table without certain givebacks, which Mr. Mauro called "minor, minor stuff," although it will have a major impact on new hires.

Besides the frozen starting rate, during training new hires will receive 15-percent less in salary before getting the regular minimum upon graduation.

"We didn't really hurt them that bad considering what other unions have done to their unborn," Mr. Mauro contended.

The uniform allowance will increase by $100 to $1,200. Union members will no longer be held to Triborough's mandatory vacation slots.

"This contract provides economic gains and other benefits that helps meet the needs of our members and their families," said Greg Lombardi, union vice president.

Of 591 ballots cast, 502 bridge and tunnel cops voted to approve the contract. "I don't remember it ever being that overwhelming," said Mr. Mauro.