Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Norman Seabrook, President of the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association, today announced that a tentative settlement has been reached, pending ratification, with the Correction Officers' Benevolent Association (COBA). The agreement covers approximately 8,300 Correction Officers in the New York City Department of Correction for a 27 month period from August 1, 2007 through October 31, 2009. The agreement is modeled after the comparable financial parameters contained in settlements reached with the Uniformed Firefighters Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the Uniformed Sanitationmen's Association, the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, the Captains Endowment Association, and the Lieutenants Benevolent Association.

"The work of Correction Officers may not be as visible as that of other uniformed officers, but our appreciation for their service and for the risks that they face is just as deep," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This agreement gives our hard working Correction Officers a well deserved raise."

"The Mayor has worked closely with this union, and has done a fantastic job as the Mayor of the City of New York," said COBA President Norman Seabrook. "We don't always get we want in contract negotiations, but at the end of the day, that is what negotiations are all about."

The City's Department of Corrections has always offered honorable work, a chance to help the community and a great career for young men and women," said Correction Commissioner Martin Horn. "The contract announced today makes the job even more attractive and will help us attract the attention of new recruits in a very competitive labor market.  New York's Boldest do a terrific job of keeping our jails, and our communities, safe, and in making New York City's jails the best and safest system in the nation."

The principal features of the settlement include:

• 4% increase effective August 1, 2007.
• 4% increase, compounded, effective August 1, 2008.
  

For Correction Officers hired on or after January 1, 2006 and prior to September 1, 2008, an enhanced salary schedule will apply effective September 1, 2008:

For Correction Officers hired on or after September 1, 2008, an improved salary schedule will apply effective September 1, 2008:

Additional Features

• Effective November 1, 2007, the longevity schedule will be increased by $314 on each step of the schedule.
  
  
• Effective November 1, 2007, the City's annual contribution to the active welfare fund will increase by $200 per employee.
  
  
• Effective August 1, 2009, the City's pro-rata annual contribution to the annuity fund will be increased by $370 per year per employee.
  
  
• Effective upon ratification, the Department of Correction will establish a category of Correction Officers designated on "special assignment."

The Mayor thanked Deputy Mayor Edward Skyler, Correction Commissioner Martin Horn, COBA President Norman Seabrook, Labor Commissioner James F. Hanley and First Deputy Commissioner Pamela S. Silverblatt and their team, and Mark Page, Director of the Office of Management and Budget and his team for their efforts in reaching the agreement.