City, CSEA Come to Agreement; Building and Fire Code Crack Down; More

City, CSEA Come to Agreement

The White Plains Common Council unanimously voted to approve a labor agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Local 1000 at its Tuesday meeting.

“In many respects this is a very historical settlement to establish with the CSEA—one of the largest unions, if not the largest number of employees in our city—a four year contract,” said Councilman David Buchwald.

According to the agreement, which expires on June 30, 2015, union members will receive no raises this year, and will earn a 2 percent salary increase each year for the next three years.

“These are certainly not easy [economic] times,” said Councilman John Martin. “I know some of the employees may not be overjoyed with the contract, but it reflects our [economic] realities.”

Martin noted that a lack of annual raises and increase in employee benefit contributions are unfortunately becoming more commonplace in the private sector, including his own office.

The agreement also alters provisions on employee benefits. Employees hired between July 1, 1995 and June 30, 2011 who are eligible for retirement benefits will contribute nothing if they’ve worked 20 years or more; 20 percent if they’ve worked 15 to 19 years; 50 percent for 10 to 15 years for individuals and 65 percent for a family.

Those who’ve been hired after July 1, 2001 will contribute 15 percent for retirement benefits if they’ve worked 20 years or more; 35 percent for 15 to 19 years. Those who’ve worked between 10 and 15 years will contribute 50 percent for individuals and 65 percent for a family.

“It [the agreement] is really in their [CSEA’s] best interest, the City’s best interest and in the best interest of our taxpayers,” said Council President Benjamin Boykin.

On July 1, 2013 dental contributions will increase by $25 over the current rate, and increase by another $25 on July 1, 2014 by the rate set for 2014. There are also slight increases in optical insurance contributions, as well as the addition of the following subsection “Notwithstanding any practice to the contrary, overtime shall be earned, accrued or paid, as appropriate, following the written authorization of the Mayor or designee.”

Mayor Tom Roach thanked all parties involved in reaching the contract agreement without the rancor that could accompany such negotiations.

“I look forward to reaching similar conclusions with the other unions,” said Roach.

The City is negotiating contracts with the fire, police and Teamsters unions. CSEA President Joseph Roche couldn’t be reached for comment.

Building and Fire Code Crack Down

The City of White Plains is cracking down on its building and fire codes by increasing fines for violation, streamlining the process for issuing violations and clarifying language regarding inspections.

“I don’t think you can be an elected official in White Plains and not hear from White Plains residents about concerns about the quality of life, and making sure particular buildings in White Plains are up to code and provide for the safety and protection of its occupants,” said Councilman David Buchwald. “This legislation goes at a number of complaints we have heard over time.”

Those found in violation of the City’s building and fire codes will be fined no more than $2,500 for the first offense, and $5,000 for a second offense made within three years of the first offense or a separate offense or imprisonment for not more than 15 days or both. Violations can now be issued immediately, and the basis for an inspection is clarified.

Other Meeting Happenings

The council approved the dedication of certain city-owned parcels as parkland, as well as altered the City’s ethics code to strengthen its anti-nepotism mechanisms, and office theft regulations. 

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