–Main Uddin Ahmed

Governor Kathy Hochul today (Tuesday, Feb 22) announced that her administration has reached a contract agreement with the Police Benevolent Association of New York State for a 4-year term running until March 31, 2023, that was ratified by union membership, says a news released from the governor’s office. “I’m pleased we’ve reached a contract agreement with the brave men and women of the New York State Police Benevolent Association,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re grateful these professionals are on the frontlines of protecting New Yorkers every day, and the terms of this agreement reflect our recognition that these are highly valued, important jobs.” PBANYS President and Park Police Sergeants Director Manny Vilar said, “On behalf of our nearly 1,200 members, the Police Benevolent Association of New York State extends its sincere gratitude to Governor Hochul for her leadership in reaching a contract with our members.

We are confident that this agreement with Governor Hochul’s administration is a positive sign for things to come as we continue to work to provide our members with the compensation and recognition needed to recruit and retain the most diverse and qualified officers in the state of New York.” The contract, covering police officers who serve the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Department of Environmental Conservation and the State University of New York, includes a 2 percent salary increase per year for each year of the agreement consistent with other settled State employees. The contract also includes other changes in compensation consistent with their job duties and responsibilities and changes in the collective bargaining agreement. The agreement resolved over 160 grievances and other litigation, and increased joint labor-management funding for training and employee benefit programs. The parties also agreed to policies surrounding technology, body-worn cameras, and scheduling. Changes to health insurance and overtime were previously implemented for the unit. ###