County Executive News

McCoy Settlement Means Employees Get Days Back

Albany County Saves over $1 Million

Albany County employees who were furloughed in 2009 will get that time back. Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy says current employees who were furloughed four years ago will be reimbursed in additional paid time off.

"While my administration was not involved in the decision to furlough, I am nonetheless aware of the various barriers it created, many of which still exist today," said McCoy. "I appreciate the patience of employees as we resolved this matter."

Affected employees will receive one hour of paid time off for each hour that he/she was furloughed. Those accruals will appear in a separate time off bank for employees by Friday, March 22nd. This time must be used by December 31, 2014 and cannot be exchanged for cash or any buyout/incentive.

The County has been awaiting a ruling from the NYS Public Employment Relations Board as a result of unfair labor practices filed by the unions impacted. If PERB had ruled against the County, that judgment could expose it to financial back-pay liability totaling over 1.4 million dollars. This settlement eliminates that possibility and restores time off to those in the workforce that had lost up to a week of pay.

"I will continue to find ways to build trust and strengthen my relationship with one of the most valuable resources in County government… its employees," said McCoy.

"I'm happy to be part of the settlement which does the right thing in regards to our employees and at the same time, protects our taxpayers," said Shawn Morse, Chairman of the Albany County Legislature.  "Taking money from the employees was a terrible injustice.  I look forward to working with the County Executive and members of the Legislature as we move ahead."