NY state union has tentative contract with Gov. Andrew Cuomo

ALBANY — A union representing about 1,000 state law enforcement personnel has reached tentative agreement with Gov. Andrew Cuomo for a contract freezing pay for three years with a 2 percent increase in 2014. Like contracts with the state's two largest unions, Police Benevolent Association of New York State members would be eligible for $1,000 retention bonuses. The new union represents state university and park police, environmental conservation officers and forest rangers lacking a new contact since 2005. Retroactive pay would come in two installments. The union says Friday annual wage adjustments from 2005 through 2010 range from 2.25 percent to 4 percent. Layoff protection excludes closed or restructured facilities authorized by legislation and material or unanticipated downturns in the state's finances. The tentative agreement is subject to ratification by union members.