(NEW YORK CITY) - The Association of Legislative Employees (ALE) has reached a tentative agreement with the New York City Council for its first-ever contract.

The historic contract would cover 382 Council Employees, including all Council Member Aides within Members’ offices and Legislative Financial Analysts and Senior Legislative Financial Analysts within the Council Finance Division.

The tentative agreement includes wage increases of 3% for each of the first four years of the contract and 3.25% in the fifth year.

The agreement also includes a lump sum ratification bonus of $3,000 for all ALE Members in active employment, as of the date of ratification.

ALE President and Finance Division Staff Member Daniel Kroop said: “We are overjoyed to deliver to our Members a first contract with wins on wages, benefits and job protections.  We thank the Speaker and the whole body for working with us to start this new chapter.  ALE Members overcame enormous obstacles and achieved an industry-leading contract following almost a decade of organizing.  Incredibly, we did it as a new, Independent Union, led and powered by volunteers.  This contract asserts the dignity and value of every Employee and recognizes the enormous contribution we make to this body.”

For More On This Labor News Story, Go To: New York City Council Announces Historic First Contract with the Association of Legislative Employees - Press (nyc.gov)