County approves new 4-year contracts with prison, court employees
LOCK HAVEN, PA – The Clinton County Commissioners on Thursday gave their approval to new 4-year contracts with AFSCME bargaining units for corrections officers and maintenance workers at the Clinton County Correctional Facility and court-related and court-appointed employees. The new pacts are effective as of January 1 of next year and run through December 31, 2025.
Commissioner Jeff Snyder said, “We believe the union and the county have negotiated contracts that are fair and beneficial to our employees and taxpayers. We appreciate the cooperation shown by the union negotiating team and the employee members of AFSCME. “
The terms of the accord, as outlined by Snyder:
1. Starting salaries increased for all positions/grades. These had not been changed since 2011. The goal was recruitment and retention of new employees.
2. Wage increases: 2022 2023 2024 2025
1.60/hr 1.30/hr .75/hr. .50/hr.
They asked for more than this. A compromise was reached.
3. Changes to medical insurance were also negotiated for recruitment and retention. Changed healthcare start to 60 days from 90 days. Increased payment to those who have other health insurance.
2022 will see a minimal increase in employee contribution – maximum increase less than 1.50 per pay. If costs rise in future years, (it was) agreed to look at other plan options.
To contain costs, co-pays will increase by $5.00 and ER charge by $25.00.
4. Permanently added Martin Luther King Day to paid holidays. CO’s will now get second personal day in place of Election Day.
5. Courts CBA – minor changes in on-call and call in pay policies.
6. CO’s vacation accruals changed to reflect the 12 hour work schedule.
7. Other minor changes to operational rules and contract language.
The new pacts had been approved by the two collective bargaining units previous to the commissioners’ Thursday approval. It was noted that starting salaries were boosted for the first time since 2011; there have been increases in pay every year for employees, but not for the salaries offered to new hires.
Some 80 court-related and court-appointed employees are covered by the new contract. Although not currently fully staffed, the county correctional facility has up to 53 union-covered positions.
