State Troopers Agree To 13% Raise Over Four-Year Contract
By TOMMY HALLISSEY
Governor Paterson Aug. 17 reached a contract agreement with the State Troopers Police Benevolent Association granting a 13-percent raise across four years.

DANIEL M. De FEDERICIS: 'A fair contract.'

The contract, which spans from April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2011, includes across-the-board salary increases of 3 percent for the first three years and 4 percent in the final year. The raises match those granted to the two largest state-employee unions, the Civil Service Employees Association and the Public Employees Federation, reached with then-Governor Spitzer last year for the same period.

'Balanced Needs and Jobs'

"This is a very fair contract and we are pleased with it," said State Troopers PBA President Daniel M. De Federicis, who represents 3,600 members. "The New York State Troopers PBA appreciates the fact that Governor David Paterson balanced the fiscal needs of the State with the recognition of the difficult and dangerous jobs Troopers perform for state residents."

The agreement also provides benefit improvements, including a program that allows Troopers injured on duty to continue to serve New York State in a light-duty capacity. Early this month, Mr. Paterson vetoed a bill that would have paid salary and medical expenses for Troopers injured on the job. A week before the pact was reached, Mr. De Federicis said in response to the veto, "we will continue to pursue these essential benefits for our members through further legislation, contract negotiations, as well as other avenues."

The Troopers PBA had been working under an expired a contract since April 2007. The increases apply only to members still on the job; those who left service between April 1, 2007 and the date of the deal will not receive raises in either salary or their pension allowances. Troopers and commissioned and non-commissioned officers, including uniformed supervisors with the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major are covered by the new contract.

"Our brave and dedicated Troopers put their lives on the line each and every day they put on their uniform," said Mr. De Federicis. "Through this contract, Governor Paterson demonstrated his support and understanding of the jobs of New York State Troopers."

Mr. Paterson said on Aug. 17, "All New Yorkers owe a debt of gratitude to the members of the PBA for everything they do to serve the State and protect its residents. I am pleased we now have a settlement. It will allow these union members to continue to provide New York State with the dedicated and selfless service they have always given."