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PAT Pact Back for Another Try

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According to news reports the Port Authority and its union (specifically rank and file bargaining unit and first level supervisors) will have a second consideration of a contract that was rejected by the workers in September.  We noted at the beginning of November that fact finding commenced, and the fact finder’s report is available on the website of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor under the state’s Labor Relations Board page.

That report pointed out that the issues the union wished to address included sick leave, health insurance, late arrival to work (“sharking”), and non-operating employee wage rates.  The Authority wished to address wage, salary, and pay rates.  It is on this latter point that the Authority proposed reducing annual increases in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 by 1/4 of a percentage point each year due to savings the Authority believed were not going to materialize from health benefits.  The fact finder’s opinion on the wage boost of 11.25% over the four year contract “…is certainly competitive and by the evidence submitted the wage rates would place the rate among the top operators in the United States when adjusted for inflation”.  This is essentially what we pointed out ten years ago in a Policy Brief.

Though there have been plenty of changes to the Port Authority–Act 89 funding, a reconstituted board, changes from the 2012 contract, etc.–one constant remains, and is encapsulated by the union’s lawyer: We think it’s a good deal, even with the changes, but it’s up to the membership…They have to decide if they want this or they want to go on strike.”

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Allegheny Institute
Allegheny Institute

The Allegheny Institute is a non-profit research and education organization. Our mission is to defend the interests of taxpayers, citizens and businesses against an increasingly burdensome and intrusive government.

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