TROY – Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin told the county’s largest union he won’t pay them more while working during the coronavirus pandemic — while union leadership says it wants its members to receive relief for shifts they’re working and financial appreciation for their efforts.

The faceoff between McLaughlin the United Public Service Employees Union led by President Kevin E. Boyle Jr., which represents about 1,050 county employees, occurs as members of Saratoga County’s Board of Supervisors have criticized decisions to increase pay to managers and rank-and-file employees 50 percent more.

“In light of the recent designation of certain UPSEU County staff being required to report to work during this Public Health State of Emergency, we have been requested by our membership to seek additional compensation for fulfilling essential functions so County business can continue,” Boyle wrote in a March 17 letter to McLaughlin.

Boyle told McLaughlin that other counties have “already negotiated and implemented premium and/or hazard pay or differentials” for essential staff and “staffing assignment rotation.”

McLaughlin responded with a three-page letter on March 24 that paraphrased President John F. Kennedy’s speech to “ask what you can do for your county,” pointed out the union and county have a contract in effect and cited the Taylor Law which regulates government employees.

“While I am committee to ensuring the health and safety of the County employees, I must also protect the taxpayers,” McLaughlin wrote.

“I feel that a pay increase for performing our jobs would be extorting our struggling residents, who, after all, pay for all the County employees’ salaries and benefit costs,” McLaughlin wrote.”

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Boyle took exception to McLaughlin’s remarks. He said UPSEU has worked with other counties on the matter and is seeking recognition for the dangers its members encounter in working out in the field during the outbreak when people have been told to stay at home. He said the union is worried about scheduling and has settled issues with county department heads.

“Nobody is asking for a 50 percent raise,” Boyle said.

Members of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors have condemned an incentive that would pay county employees time-and-a-half for every hour they work during the pandemic. It’s estimated to cost the county about $325,000 extra per week.

Rensselaer County won’t do that, officials said.

"There are no plans to pay employees extra because the majority of our employees are not working extra hours, and it would add to the already considerable burden our taxpayers will face when the coronavirus outbreak is stopped," said Richard Crist, director of operations.

Crist said some employees were sent home due to state orders to reduce staffing levels, deal with childcare issues and reduce potential transmission of the coronavirus. "There will be a rotation of staffing,” he said.