Mayor de Blasio Announces Tentative Contract Agreement With Traffic Enforcement Agents, Bringing 95 Percent Of Workforce Under Contract Agreement

Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced that the City of New York has reached a tentative contract agreement with Communication Workers of America – Local 1182 Traffic Enforcement Agents, which covers over 2,100 agents that serve the city. The agreement includes both Level 1 Traffic Enforcement Agents, who write summonses, and Level 2 Traffic Enforcement Agents, who direct traffic.

This agreement, which conforms with the civilian pattern established with other municipal unions, means that settlements have been reached with 95 percent of the workforce.

“Our traffic enforcement agents keep our roads moving and our pedestrians, bikers and drivers safe. This agreement means they’ll get the fair wages they deserve, while protecting New York City’s fiscal health,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With 95 percent of our workforce under contract agreement, compared to 0 percent when we took office, we’re continuing to restore a productive and respectful relationship with the men and women who serve our city.”

"I am thrilled that a landmark tentative agreement has been reached between New York City and Traffic Enforcement Agents. This contract builds the foundation to adequately compensate my members who contribute so much toward the greatness of this City," said President Syed Rahim of CWA Local 1182.

“We are very pleased that we’ve reached a breakthrough contract settlement with New York City covering over 2,100 traffic agents who belong to CWA Local 1182,” said Dennis Trainor, Vice President for CWA District One. “The agreement will provide these members with a new, more equitable salary structure. We are wholeheartedly recommending this contract to the members, and appreciate the hard work by both sides to bargain a fair agreement.”

This agreement conforms with the pattern that has shaped every civilian labor contract the City has settled. The agreement also incorporates the unprecedented healthcare savings agreed upon with the Municipal Labor Committee, ensuring that these raises are affordable and responsible for the City and its taxpayers.

The seven year, nine month, 21 day proposed contract provides for 10 percent in raises and includes a one-time $1,000 ratification bonus. It will begin, retroactively, on March 10, 2010 and expire on December 30, 2017.

The contract would create new step pay plans for traffic enforcement agents‎, providing a path for employees to ultimately reach maximum pay rates for their respective levels. The step pay plans fit within the pattern, and are funded by the contract's nine-month, 21 day extension.

The City and Local 1182 have also agreed to create an annuity fund in the amount of $261 per year for each full-time employee, also funded by the contract extension, and to begin gainsharing discussions.

In total, the Municipal Labor Committee and the City have agreed to secure $3.4 billion in health care savings through Fiscal Year 2018, starting with $400 million in FY 2015 and building up to $1.3 million in FY 2018, and $1.3 billion in recurring savings every year thereafter. These savings are focused on cost-cutting measures that, for the first time, will bend the curve of rising health care costs. The City has met its target of $400 million in savings for FY15 and is on track to meet the FY16 target of $700 million. These savings are guaranteed and enforceable by arbitration.

Fair Wages

The tentative contract agreement is consistent with the established civilian pattern. Wage increases will constitute 10 percent over seven years, nine months, and 21 days:

September 10, 2011 – 1.00%

September 10, 2012 – 1.00%

September 10, 2013 – 1.00%

September 10, 2014 – 1.50%

September 10, 2015 – 2.50%

September 10, 2016 – 3.00%

Affordable Costs

The cost of today’s tentative agreement across the Financial Plan (through FY2020) is consistent with the uniformed pattern and already reflected in the labor reserve:

Gross Cost: $64.4 million

Health Savings and Stabilization Fund: ($44 million)