PEF’s Executive Board Approves Contract for Albany County Probation Officers

ALBANY, NY – The Executive Board of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) approved an agreement for Albany County probation officers at its quarterly meeting Friday, December 2.

The county’s nearly 100 PEF-represented probation officers will hold a ratification vote this month.

Their previous bargaining agreement expired December 31, 2008.

“Our members who work at the Albany County Probation Department have been working without a contract for nearly three years. This agreement meets the needs of our members so they can continue to provide important services to the residents of Albany County,” said Albany region leader Bill Wurster.

The deal for PEF Division 502 members includes a 3 percent raise for 2009 with limited retroactivity, zero raises for 2010 through 2012, and a 2 percent salary increase in 2013. Members will also receive a $1,200 one-time payment, once the contract is ratified. A significant safety issue was resolved with an addition to the contract directing that equipment will be replaced on or before it reaches its expiration date. Probation officers have said in the past, items such as bullet-proof vests and mace would remain in use beyond expiration dates.

“We were glad to see this addition,” Wurster said. “These members risk their lives to keep Albany’s citizens safe by monitoring and enforcing conditions of release for thousands of offenders. This deal, if ratified, will help them do their jobs with proper safety protection.”