Pennsylvania Correctional Officers Get 11.5 Percent Increase In Wages

Correctional Officers and members of Local 429 in Reading will receive a retroactive 2.5 percent pay increase to January 2011, among other increases, thanks to an award issued by an arbitrator. The correctional officers are employees of Schuykill County Prison in Pennsylvania.

Issued on July 25, the award resolves outstanding contract issues between Local 429 and Schuykill County Prison. Aside from the retroactive pay increase, correctional officers will also receive three percent increases each January through 2014.

In addition to the across-the-board salary improvements for county prison employees, the new contract provides for monetary longevity bonuses of $500 after three years of service. It also provides for a one percent increase after the fourth year of service and a two percent increase to base pay after ten years on the job.

Correctional officers will also receive 2.5 times their hourly rate for holiday overtime pay. The four-year agreement includes additional personal days, more time for funeral leave, and a strict procedure on approving vacation requests.

“The union’s team was well prepared to make the case for significant gains even during very difficult economic times,” said Bill Shappell, President of Teamsters Local 429. “The chief economist from our International office in Washington, D.C. played an important role in persuading the arbitrator about the need for a package that included fair wage increases. I am very please that the Teamsters have made a positive contribution in the lives of our correctional officers.”