It’s an issue that Gov. Andrew Cuomo hasn’t touched, but the Empire Center for Public Policy argues in a report today that the 30-year-old “Triborough Amendment” is hurting taxpayers and governments’ ability to negotiate new labor contracts.

The conservative, Albany-based think tank said repealing the law would be a major mandate-relief reform for local governments and schools. The law, enacted in 1982, mandates that provisions of a public-employees’ contract remain in effect until a new contract is adopted—including step and longevity pay increases.

Critics argue that the law discourages new labor deals and ones with limited benefits in tough fiscal times because there is no incentive for unions to reach a new deal. Unions argue that the law was adopted because they are prohibited from going on strike.

The Empire Center’s report says that pay hikes under the Triborough Amendment costs the state government $140 million a year and adds almost $300 million a year to school budgets.

The report claims that the repeal of the Triborough Amendment would not lead to union benefits being reduced, claiming those would be protected by the “Triborough Doctrine,” another part of the law….

Read article here