(BUFFALO, NEW YORK) - A new five-year contract has been agreed to by American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1095 after Union Membership voted 444-to-83 to approve the new deal, which covers the period from January 1st, 2027 through December 31st, 2031.

The new contract includes pay raises in each of those years as well as job upgrades to Motor Equipment Operator positions and other changes.

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said: “My Administration has a long track record of successful negotiations with the Bargaining Units that make up the County Workforce and we have always approached these talks with a reasonable budget outlook paired with great respect for the Men and Women who work for Erie County. As we have seen in the past, strong negotiations result in good outcomes for all parties and this new AFSCME agreement benefits Workers while being fiscally prudent for the County. I thank Commissioner of Labor Relations Kola Jesutowo Adeniji and his team for their work with AFSCME President Rich Canazzi and their team to reach this deal - and AFSCME Membership for their ratification vote. We are moving Erie County forward, together.”

Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Unit Members will occur on January 1st of each year: January 1st, 2027: $1.20 added to base pay; January 1st, 2028: A 2.75% increase; January 1st, 2029: A 2.5% increase; January 1st, 2030: A 2.5% increase; and on January 1st, 2031: A 2.5% increase.

Other components of the new contract include: On January 1st, 2027, Motor Equipment Operator 1 (MEO 1) will be upgraded from Job Group 5 to 6; and On January 1st, 2027, Motor Equipment Operator 2 (MEO 2) will be upgraded from Job Group 7 to 8.

And regarding Voluntary Approved Unpaid Leave Time (VAULT): Beginning January 1st, 2027, the County will be able to offer Voluntary Unpaid Leave during periods of downtime within any Department or program area (voluntary for the Employees).

This option may be used at management’s discretion during periods of reduced operational demand or temporary facility closures.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: AFSCME LOCAL 1095 REACHES LABOR AGREEMENT WITH ERIE COUNTY | Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz