Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced that he has reached a tentative labor agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association.
The CSEA is the county’s largest labor union. The union has been without a contract since it expired in 2006.
Both sides agreed not to disclose terms of the deal until members learn its details.
Poloncarz thanked CSEA leadership for bargaining in good faith.
"In my first seven months, I have done what the previous two administrations could not accomplish over the last five years—reaching a fair agreement with the county’s largest employee union,” said Poloncarz. “I want to thank CSEA leadership for coming to the table in good faith and understanding the financial constraints facing the county in negotiating what I believe is a good and fair deal for both employees and taxpayers.
CSEA Local 815 president Joan Bender tells WBFO & AM-970 News the tentative deal takes in consideration the county's difficult financial situation and includes shared sacrifices by both sides.
"What I will say we have been working with the Erie County Administration since March, and we came to an agreement that we think our members will be able to vote yes on," said Bender.
Members will learn more about the proposed agreement at informational meetings in early August. Voting ballots will be mailed to union members August 9.
If members agree to the deal, it must then be approved by the county legislature and county control board.
The tentative deal covers about 2,500 county workers and other employees at ECMC and ECC.