May 7, 2012 | After six months of difficult negotiations with Anne Arundel County representatives, tentative agreements were ratified by the park rangers, corrections program specialists (CPS), and deputy sheriffs. Although the contracts do not include wage increases, enhancements were made to benefits.
The park rangers unanimously approved a first contract Thursday, May 3, 2012; corrections programs specialists ratified their agreement Friday, May 4, 2012, and the deputy sheriffs okay'd their contract at a ratification meeting Sunday, May 6, 2012.
The CPS and deputy sheriff agreements will have no increases in employee contributions to health care costs and no furlough days. In addition, there will be no employee cost for life insurance coverage equal to two times their annual salary, up to $100,000.
Specific to the deputy sheriff CBA, the clothing and weapons allowances eliminated by the County in the last three contracts were returned, and retention bonuses also included. A pension percentage increase of 1.75% for both groups will be implemented, but delayed until February, 2013.
The park rangers agreement includes the Teamster grievance procedure; guarantees double time-and-a-half for worked holidays (rangers work an average of five holidays annually); requires no increase in employee health care contributions, and no furlough days. A major factor in the park rangers' decision to organize with the Teamsters was the on-going changes to work schedules and increases to job duties without their input. A mutual understanding between the County and the Union has been reached to address those issues.
Pictured: (front left to right) Nolley Fisher, Business Agent Charles Marshall, Dave Devault. (Back left to right) Business Agent Jim Deene, Adam Smith, Matthew George, Steve Streiff, and Business Agent Dan Taylor.
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