|
Public Employee Press
Operators at upstate water treatment
plants win upgrades and $270,000 in back pay
The Dept. of Environmental Protection paid a whopping $270,000
to eight Chief Operators and Assistant Chief Operators as part of a grievance
settlement for six years of out-of-title work at upstate water treatment
plants. The Local 1322 Level 1 Supervisors also received promotions to
Supervisor of Watershed Maintenance Level 3, advancing two grade levels,
with an annual pay hike of about $13,000.
Although it took a while, I am glad we were able to communicate
with the agencys Director of Human Resources, who acted fairly,
said Local President John Townsend.
Since 1999, the eight have acted as Chief Operators of upstate wastewater
treatment plants. The heavy responsibility for maintaining the facilities,
preventing pollutant emissions and protecting the quality of water discharged
into the citys reservoirs fell on their shoulders. Any violations
would jeopardize their state licenses and jobs and could result in fines,
jail time or both.
The new plants were more sophisticated and required more advanced
treatment than before, said Local 1322 member Jack Schmidt. Management
used us as Chief Operators to carry out the day-to-day operations. Our
jobs were on the line every day.
We had to show that these workers stood in a different class from
others in the same title, said DC 37 lawyer Robin Roach.
Supervisor Watershed Maintainers are not required by their job specifications
to have a specific license and certification, but under state regulations
the Chief Operator of the facility needs a special license and certification
based on the plants size and output, she explained. And
if they lose certification, they cant function as Chief Operator.
Roach said these members were carrying greater responsibility
no other supervisor could be placed in that job.
The grievance went to Steps 1 through 3 then arbitration. Robin
laid a strong foundation. The agency realized there was a good possibility
they would lose, so they settled, said Blue Collar Council Rep Bill
Fenty.
We always felt we were working out of title, said 20-year
veteran Supervisor and Chief Operator Salvatore Palazzolo. It was
worth the wait. We got everything we deserved. This opens the door to
new possibilities within the title, otherwise workers would always be
locked at Level 1.
| |