January 19, 2007
COUNTY LEGISLATURE APPROVES ONE-WORKER PLOW CREWS

The Erie County Legislature approved a memorandum of agreement with workers in the County Division of Highways represented by AFSCME Local 1095 to institute one-worker snow plow operations at its January 18 session.

The agreement, which will allow for the institution of one-worker plow trucks on many County plowing routes, will save Erie County funds over the previous practice of two-worker plow operations.

"This is a key agreement between the County and AFSCME. This will allow us to institute cost savings while keeping our roads clear and workers save," County Legislator Robert B. Reynolds, Jr. (D-Hamburg), chair of the Finance and Management Committee, said. "This initiative, which was a recommendation in the "Plan for Moving On" from the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, proves that we in the County Legislature and the workers of Erie County are serious and willing to work with many partners. We are also looking at and implementing new ideas to operate this county in more efficient ways."

"This is a win-win situation for Erie County and for the Highway Division workers, to save money while ensuring the workers' safety," Legislator Kathy Konst (D-Lancaster) said. "I am pleased that this agreement will also not impede the clearing of snow from county roads."

"This agreement came through the diligent efforts of administration and labor unions. Good things come not only to those who wait, but to those who work hard together for the betterment of our community," Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy (D-South Buffalo), chairman of the Economic Development Committee, which first approved the agreement, said. "This historic agreement shows that management and workers can work together for solid solutions. My hat goes off to John Orlando of AFSCME and Jerry Sentz of the Department of Public Works for their extensive efforts to reach this agreement."

"The cooperation and effort to make the operations of the County Highway Division and other county services more efficient while remaining safe and accomplishing the necessary work is a part of the County Legislature's continued efforts to reform the way business is conducted," County Legislature Chairperson Lynn M. Marinelli (D-Buffalo, Tonawanda) said.

The one-person plowing will take effect immediately, and without the agreement, AFSCME would have been able to file a grievance which could have had the County return to two-person plow operations at a considerable cost to Erie County

Back to District 2 Homepage