Dear COBA Members;

It has come to COBA's attention that there is a common misconception about the contract proposal that needs to be clarified.

During yesterday's informational meetings and particularly last night inside the Facility with the Midnight Tours, several Members expressed concern to us that each of the Wage Increases are negated by subsequent contributions into Health Care. Meaning all wage increases and Health contributions zero each out and they see no actual gain.

THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE !!

Once we explained the mistake some are making in comparing the Wage Increases to the Health Contribution they are much more at ease on the benefits of this contract.  

It appears that some of our Members are under the impression that the health contribution "compounds" each year in the same way the Wage Increases do.

While yes, the wage (pay) increases are retro to July of 2020, and the first contribution into health care is also retro to January of 2021, there is a marked positive difference from that point forward in the gains we receive.

Each of the Wage (Pay) Increases in July of 2020, 2021 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 are compounded on each other in all respects including their effect on your Overtime Rate.

The January 2021 (2%) contribution into health care is the hardest because it's the first one.

But that 2% simply increases to 2.25% and 2.5% of base earnings.

IT DOES NOT COMPOUND.

Meaning it is not an additional 2.25% or an additional 2.5% contribution.

If that were true you would be contributing 6.75% into health care.

AGAIN, 100% FALSE !!

Effective January of 2023 all Members would be contributing 2.5% of base pay (PRE TAXED, similar to Deferred Comp) into health care. This does not affect overtime, longevity, night diff etc.

I hope this clarifies any misconceptions about this issue.

If you are still unclear about this in any way, please come to one of the informational meetings or speak to a Union rep who will go over it in detail with you.

Don't listen to rumors of what someone thinks it is.

Call the Union office for direction: 516-937-7800.

Or, you can call or text me on my cell if you like: 516-508-1776

Always in Unity;

Brian Sullivan, COBA President