SMETHPORT – The ongoing negotiations between McKean County and
its newest union, the Court-Related Unit, were postponed due to a
scheduling conflict. Talks will resume March 30.

County Administrator Richard Casey said Wednesday that when
negotiations continue, both sides will still be discussing the
makeup of the language creating the agreement.

“We expect to get some feedback from them about what they want,”
Casey said. The parties have already agreed on such uncontentious
issues as seniority and anti-discrimination matters.

The union is represented by Peggy Hoak of the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

The agreement is being crafted similar to the county’s existing
contract with the prison guards under AFSCME.

Formed in late August, the union took shape after the sheriff’s
deputies broke away from the prison. The union, which excludes
management level employees including supervisors and confidential
workers, consists of court-related employees in the sheriff,
district attorney, prothonotary, register of wills, public defender
and coroner offices.

All told, there are 14 positions involved in the new union,
county officials said.

In regards to how long the process will take, Casey said there
still is no time frame for completion, noting “We’re building this
from the ground up. I think it will take some time.”

The length of the contract has not been arrived at yet, but in
the past, the county has typically crafted agreements lasting for
three years.

In addition to the new labor unit, the county also has contracts
with the 911 Center employees, corrections officers and the
commissioners residual unit. The 911 Center and commissioners
residual unit workers are under the auspices of the Pennsylvania
Social Services Union (PSSU).