The labor dispute between Oxford County and the Teamsters Union over deputy pay rates will likely go to interest arbitration, say union officials, after the county failed to agree to a pay increase.
Interest arbitration is a process where unresolved contract issues are presented to an independent party for resolution.
In a long running contract dispute, Oxford County Commissioners have agreed to most of the measures laid out in a fact finding document compiled by a state labor panel, but have declined a recommendation to boost the salaries of deputies by $2 per hour, a major sticking point.
"I'm very disappointed with the county commissioners and I'd like them to honor the fact finding report and pay the deputies what they deserve," says Raymond Cote, business agent for Teamsters Local 340 which represents the deputies, corporals, and sergeants. "The county commissioners have no excuse. They can't plead poverty because they're not poor. They have plenty of money in the bank due to the casino." Money to which Cote says deputies are entitled, since policing the Oxford Casino is part of their job description.
The report compiled January 29th by a three member panel appointed by the Maine Labor Relations Board, at the request of the county, proposes a wage hike of $2 per hour with a 2.5% increase for 2015, and a 3% increase for 2016.
The county had proposed a $1 pay raise, with 1.5% increases for two years, citing a need to keep the budget under control. The union proposal was higher with a $3 across the board increase, with 3% increases for two years. The labor panel proposal was a seen as a compromise between the two.Oxford County sheriff's deputies are some of the lowest paid in Southern Maine, making less than $15 per hour as a starting wage. By contrast, Cumberland County deputies start at nearly $20 per hour. The $3 wage hike formulated by the union was based on deputy salaries in neighboring Franklin, Cumberland, York, and Androscoggin counties, and would have brought pay roughly to $18 per hour.
Oxford County officials have said revenue from the Oxford Casino which pays the county 1% of its profits every week- about $11,000- is going straight to tax relief. And there are other perks to the job. "Our benefit package is second to none," says Oxford County Administrator Scott Cole. "Probably superior to the other counties in question." Retirement and health benefits and the value they offer should be considered when reckoning compensation, says Cole.
Cole says the topic is on the commissioners' executive session agenda when it meets Tuesday. He says he feels the sides "were close" to an understanding at a meeting in February, but that arbitration is one possible outcome.
Raymond Cote with the Teamsters says he plans to approach the commissioners one more time. Meanwhile, Oxford County deputies will continue to labor without a contract, as they have since 2011.
