New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corp. announce new, 5-year contract agreement with workforce that operates and maintains canal system

The New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corp. announced a new five-year contract agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association, Local 1000, AFSCME, AFL-CIO. The labor union represents more than 380 New York State Canal Corp. employees who operate and maintain the 524-mile New York State Canal system. The NYPA and Canal Corp. board of trustees approved the agreement Feb. 6 at the regular public meeting.

“As NYPA continues to strategically invest in the canal system’s infrastructure so that it remains safe and operational for users and continues to support the economies of canalside communities, this contract is an investment in the dedicated and skilled workforce that ensures the canal’s continued reliability,” NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said. “We are very pleased to have arrived at this agreement with CSEA, as it guarantees each employee a competitive wage with benefits that encourages them to have a long career at the Canal Corp.”

The new CSEA collective bargaining agreement expires June 30, 2027, and includes retroactive wage increases, 2% for the first three years and 3% for the remaining two years. In addition, the contract includes other increases in compensation as well as a one-time $3,000 signing bonus payable to employees provided they meet negotiated eligibility requirements. Other negotiated terms include changes to time-off provisions and modifications aimed at recruitment and retention efforts.

New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton said, “I have personally witnessed the care and passion our workers exuberate as they operate, refurbish and rehabilitate, and modernize the working components of the canal system, a majority of which are more than a 100 years old. As we prepare to celebrate the Erie Canal’s bicentennial in 2025, it is very appropriate that we celebrate our staff that safeguards the canal’s legacy and continued positive impact on our state through this contact agreement.”

The Canal Corp. actively recruits workers throughout the year. To learn more about available job openings, visit here. For more information, visit www.nypa.gov.