Members,
As a new year starts, we take a look back at 2024. We started
with 777 active members and ended the year up at 840. Two Court Officer classes totaling 55 graduated from the academy.
On the Political Action side of things, Governor Hochul
signed our ¾ Accidental Disability Bill into law! This was a huge
accomplishment and COBANC’s first which is hanging in our office lobby. We continued to fight for tier equity along with the other unions and successfully modified Tier 6 final average salary (FAS) from 5 years to 3. Legislation enacted during the COVID-19 emergency temporarily removed overtime from the Tier 6 contribution rate calculation expiring on April 1st, 2024. This has been extended another two years to April 2026. COBANC has been sitting on the Public Employee Conference (PEC) committee for tier reform and will continue to have a seat in 2025. Lastly, OCA forgot to add the blazer pensionability to the budget bill back in 2021. Our lobbyist, Peter Meringolo, along with the other clerk unions, did the leg work to get the bill signed this past month.
As to title reallocation, Support Magistrates went from a JG31
to a JG33. The Court Clerks after years and years of studies finally received their reallocation. Senior Court Clerks JG21 to a JG22 and Associates from a JG23 to a JG24. In addition to the court reporter series, a new Court Reporter Trainee, JG22, was created. OCA vows to continue to study all job titles for possible reallocations.
We successfully negotiated two big wins. Paid Parental Leave
went into effect this past April, and starting in the next few weeks, we have negotiated to represent the unrepresented Deputy Chief Clerks in our courts. We implemented the long-awaited electronic voting, saving
the union hundreds in supplies and postage fees.
On Health and Welfare, the Trustees increased the hospital
benefit for active spouses and children to match active members at $100 per day. Also, raising the amount for active members, the fund will pay towards the Heart Scan benefit from $100 to $150. For retirees, the Trustees voted to remove the co-pays on preventative and diagnostic, saving the retired members $12 – $15,000 in out-of-pocket
expenses. Attached are the revised Benefit Summary Plan Description booklets for both active and retired. You can also find the books on our website.
Lastly, COBANC Trustees voted not to remain with United
Healthcare Dental. After 17 months of issues and complaints, UHC was unable to adhere to our plan. The Trustees after interviewing several companies, voted to sign with ASO/SIDS, an established dental provider for over 50 years starting January 1.
From our COBANC family to yours at home, we wish you a happy,
healthy, and prosperous new year!!!
In Unity,
Peter A. Piciulo
President, COBANC
We’re excited to invite you to our COBANC’s Annual Golf Outing...
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