NYPublicPayrollWatch Daily Update

NYSUT scores again

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:32:21 +0000

Amid Governor David Paterson's various troubles, a bill quietly was introduced last week--at his request--offering a pension sweetener to public employees represented by a single union: New York State United Teachers.

1.4 percent raises for federal workers

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:32:31 +0000

President Barack Obama wants to limit raises of federal government employees to 1.4 percent--far less than the 4 percent raises most New York State workers expect in the coming year.

How 'bout a yard sale to fund pay raises?

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:48:37 +0000

Teachers at the Iroquois School District, eyeing annual raises as high as 8 percent, are suggesting the district hold a "yard sale" to sell old equipment, switch to a four-day workweek, or curtail use of substitute teachers.

Pre-arbitration capitulation

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:35:11 +0000

The city of White Plains is the latest example of how arbitration can produce bloated and unaffordable labor contracts.

Retiree health benefits: unfunded promises

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:19:55 +0000

New York--despite facing a $55 billion liability--is one of 20 states that has set aside absolutely nothing to pay for the growing cost of health insurance for retired public employees, according to a national report.

Recession. What recession?

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:14:29 +0000

New York state employees, unlike those in the private sector, have been largely untouched by the recession.

Albany police union chief: No tears for taxpayers

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:58:11 +0000

Don't expect the president of the Albany Police Officers Union to win any community relations awards, especially from the city's beleaguered taxpayers.

Westchester legislators table nonunion health contributions

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:56:46 +0000

Westchester County employees have no reason to complain about the high cost of their health insurance--$7,992 for individuals and approximately $22,000 for families, because they pay nothing for it--unless they are property taxpayers.

White Plains tiptoes on health benefits

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:27:24 +0000

With the City of White Plains facing a potential 23.5 percent tax hike, you might expect bold action to curb health care costs. Instead city politicians took a timid approach likely to produce small savings this year.

NYS employee benefits skyrocket

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 14:49:09 +0000

For every $100, the state of New York spends on employee salaries, it now spends another $44 on benefits. That figure will jump to $62 dollars in three years, according to the budget division.

Blame Albany for layoffs

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:17:54 +0000

When New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says Governor Paterson's proposed budget will force him to lay off nearly 12,000 city employees, he appears to ignore his role of negotiating 4 percent employees raises during a recession.

Utica teacher benefit costs: "scary"

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 14:57:28 +0000

Providing health insurance to retired Utica teachers will cost taxpayers $189 million over the next 30 years, an amount the school board president calls "scary".

Budget reruns

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:07:11 +0000

Governor David Paterson wants state employees to defer four percent raises and five days of salary until they retire or quit their jobs. Haven't we seen this movie before?

Utica schools: Keeping taxpayers in the dark (again)

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:54:05 +0000

The Utica school board ratified a new teachers contract in September 2008--even though school business officials could not tell them how much it will cost future taxpayers. Now, the district says it has calculated the cost, but it refuses to make it public.

Syracuse-area teachers get big raises

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:15:22 +0000

Nearly 29,000 Syracuse-area residents have lost their jobs and the inflation rate is flat so you'd think that might give school board members pause.