SMETHPORT – Talks continue between McKean County and the
fledgling Court-Related Unit union.

On Thursday, County Administrator Richard Casey said
negotiations “are proceeding according to plan,” adding the meeting
Wednesday was fairly short.

“Again, we just exchanged proposed language on various issues,”
Casey said.

Both sides have been discussing the language making up the
contract for several months, with such issues as seniority and
anti-discrimination matters already agreed upon.

Formed in 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’s offices.

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

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

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

Casey said previously 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. However, an additional year
could be added if both sides agree to do so.

There has been no time frame set on when the county would like
to see a final agreement reached.

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).