In White Plains, New York, contract negotiations between County Executive Robert Astorino and The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) have reached an impasse. In order to get the negotiations moving forward again, a mediation attorney has been requested. If an agreement is not reached between the two parties, there could be more layoffs of county employees.

Mediation Services to Be Appointed in Advisory Capacity

The New York State Public Employment Relations Board in this case will appoint the mediation provided. This person will only be involved in an advisory capacity. Their decision would not be legally binding and the results of the mediation could be appealed to trial.

The Focal Points of the Dispute Resolution

The central issue between Astorino and the CSEA is currently over the health benefits of the union's workers. The county is dealing with a diminished budget, and believes that the CSEA's health care plan is over budget. The administration is also accusing the CSEA of being the source of the impasse. According to Astorino's representatives, CSEA entered contract negotiations a month later than stipulated in their contract.

On CSEA's side, President Karen Pecora said that the CSEA wants to come to an agreement, but is frustrated that the county executive office was not willing to discuss negotiations outside of the health care plan. The CSEA further accuses Astorino's position as being counter-productive to negotiations and that it is “bullying and threatening the CSEA work force.” They further argue that they did not refuse the county executive's plan, and their focus is on the refusal to hear the 30 proposals not related to the health plan.

As both parties are unwilling to budge at this point and there are many jobs on the line in Westchester County, the mediation attorney in the capacity of a third-party advisor will have to resolve this issue quickly and satisfactorily to both sides.