Public Employee Press

$300,000 in back pay for Probation clericals

Sharon Wilkins was a Probation Dept. Secretary with knack for computers. She quickly navigated NYSPIN, the state’s police information network. Last year alone, she pulled 10,000 criminal profiles for the city police, federal immigration authorities and the worldwide Interpol.

Management praised her proficiency. But they failed to grant her request for a raise and upgrade.

She called Albany and found that state employees doing similar work earned about $40,000, nearly double her salary.

“I felt cheated,” said Ms. Wilkins. She contacted Court, County and Dept. of Probation Employees Local 1070.

The local reached out to its members. Wendell King, Olga Rivera and Ms. Wilkins were among the first to sign a group grievance. As word spread, the local found that citywide, hundreds of Probation Dept. clericals were underpaid for their technical expertise.

“Though the agency can’t function without these employees, management didn’t recognize their valuable contribution,” said Local President Cliff Koppelman. “Probation was taking advantage of its staff, expecting more but not paying for the extra productivity.”

“We were all in the same situation,” Ms. Wilkins said. “It was so difficult to get what we honestly deserve. We are all struggling to make ends meet.”

After a long fight, they got justice for themselves and fellow members. On Oct. 30, an impartial arbitrator awarded the 26 grievants over $300,000 in back pay for out-of title-work.

Additionally, the arbitrator found that NYSPIN operators, Level 2 Clerical Associates, were doing the work of Level 3. Terminal Access Coordinators had been doing the jobs of Level 1 Computer Aides. The arbitrator called for upgrades for both groups, a benefit that includes those not named in the grievance.

DC 37 lawyer Leonard Polletta said the arbitrator’s decision “forced the agency to acknowledge that NYSPIN workers were performing at a much higher level and should be compensated for it.” Local 1070 is still negotiating for additional back pay that may total $50,000.

“The members stood strong on the issue. Their patience and determination were rewarded with the arbitrator’s ruling,” said DC 37 White Collar Division Council Rep Chris Wilgenkamp.

“The decision is a satisfying result of our efforts,” Mr. Koppelman said.