Dear COBA Members;

Last Fall, COBA and all other Nassau County Unions entered into an agreement with the county regarding our longevity pay. The signed agreements re-affirm that effective January 1, 2018 and going forward, all COBA members who are eligible to receive longevity shall be paid such longevity at the contractually agreed upon rates. The agreement further states that we would defer payment of the difference between the old rate and the new rate for the period of January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018 and that those deferred monies will be paid at the rate earned upon a members' separation from service. The agreement also states that all other remaining contractual provisions related to longevity shall continue in full force and effect. We were also able to secure a no lay-off provision for non-probationary members of COBA for the period of September 15, 2017 through December 31, 2018. The agreement is fair and legally binding. It provides savings for the county, answers our Longevity question and provides security for our membership going forward.

In January of this year, Laura Curran took office as Nassau County Executive. We have had numerous conversations with Ms. Curran about various labor issues, including our expectation with regard to this agreement.  

Yesterday I, along with the Presidents of all county labor unions, received a phone call from Ms. Curran who stated she does not intend to honor the Longevity agreement and intends to bring the matter to court.  

What's disturbing to all of Nassau's Unions is that during her campaign interviews for County Executive, Ms. Curran was asked her opinion about our contractually agreed upon benefits, specifically longevity. She responded "absolutely yes! A contract is a contract."  

We have not as yet received Ms. Curran's court petition and are not aware of what her argument is for not honoring this agreement. Rest assured, COBA will protect our contractual rights and will use every resource at our disposal to ensure that the County and Ms. Curran understand that yes, a contract is a contract.  

I will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Brian Sullivan, COBA President