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Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has vetoed a proposed pay raise for Department of Public Works (DPW) employees, citing legal concerns. The County Legislature had included a $5.70 per hour raise for 64 employees in the 2025 budget, but Metzger argued that this action violated New York State's Taylor Law, which protects union rights to organize and collectively bargain. Metzger stated that the amendment could put the county in legal jeopardy and infringe on the collective bargaining authority of the county executive under the county charter. She emphasized that the affected workers were given false expectations about a raise that could not legally be enacted.
Metzger's decision has sparked debate among county officials. Legislature Chairman Peeter Criswell acknowledged the intent to address employee compensation but agreed that the issue should be resolved through collective bargaining. He expressed confidence that the decision would respect both employee rights and the integrity of labor negotiations.
The vetoed amendment was part of a larger $447 million spending plan for the next fiscal year, which Metzger otherwise approved. The contracts for all five unions representing county employees are set to expire this month, and negotiations are ongoing. Metzger's veto aims to ensure that these negotiations proceed in good faith and result in fair contracts for all employees.