(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) – Teamsters Local 264-represented Workers employed at the Erie County Holding Center in Downtown Buffalo have ratified a new contract agreement, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced late Friday (April 22nd).

Local 264 represents 525 Guards, Nurses, Administrative Clerks and Laborers at the Holding Center.  Among the main points of the new agreement, according to Poloncarz, are a 2% raise for in 2017 and 2018, along with Local 264’s “consent to allow the Erie County Sheriff’s Department to use part-time nurses in the Medical Unit, which will result in future savings for the county.”  

The new agreement will be in effect from 2017 through December 31st, 2018.

Representatives of Teamsters Local 264 did not immediately issue a formal statement on the new Erie County Holding Center contract.

“I would like to thank the leadership and membership of Local 264, along with Commissioner of Labor Relations Steve Miller, for negotiating in good faith and agreeing to a contract that is fair for Members and for the community at large,” Poloncarz said. “As in any negotiation, each side comes to the table with a list of things they would like, and while neither side ever gets everything they want, this agreement addresses several critical interests of both parties in the two-year agreement.”

According to Poloncarz, the new contract provides for raises in the base of 2% for years 2017 and 2018, as well as an increase in the shift differential.

Additionally, Dispatchers will receive a one job upgrade due to the changes in their duties and responsibilities.

Changes in contract language will provide relief on mandated overtime, bid swapping, and vacation sell back as well as increased options related to compensatory time, he said.

Changes related to Correctional Health Staffing and kitchen facilities’ operations were also agreed to.

“This is a reasonable and solid agreement between the parties and I again thank all involved for guiding the process to a satisfactory conclusion,” Poloncarz said.

To Read This Labor News Report, Go To: www2.erie.gov/exec/index.php?q=press/poloncarz-statement-ratification-contract-teamsters-local-264