Northumberland County Commissioners reject Fact-Finder report that recommends higher wages for first responders
When someone calls 911 in Northumberland County, an AFSCME member is likely to answer the phone.
They understand that if you are calling them, it might be your worst day, but they are dedicated to getting you the help you need.
All they are asking in return for the crucial public service they provide is for their county commissioners to agree to a fair contract – especially now that the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB) has issued a Fact-Finder report that affirms the workers’ wage proposals are more than appropriate.
Northumberland County workers represented by AFSCME Local 2016 (Council 13) have been in the process of collective bargaining with county commissioners since June 2024 over a contract that expired on December 31, 2024. Negotiations dragged into 2025 with commissioners proposing to increase insurance premium shares and deductibles for employees while not providing a substantial wage increase.
The union submitted multiple financial analyses in 2024 and 2025 demonstrating the ability for the county to pay for wage increases for members of Local 2016 comparable to other Northumberland County employees, yet the commissioners maintained their inadequate contract proposals.
That is when the case was sent to a PLRB Fact-Finder, which recommended a $2.00 per hour wage increase retroactive to June 1, 2025. When presented with this opportunity to resolve the contract dispute through the recommendation of a neutral third party, the union members accepted the report, but the commissioners rejected it.
While commissioners continue to propose increased healthcare costs and low wage increases, county workers feel frustrated and disrespected by the way they have been treated.
“It makes me feel like my job position is insignificant to them. Like, this job is not anything that matters to the county. We’re talking about 911,” said Tina West, a member of Local 2016 and a telecommunicator for the county for nine years.
“We are the true first responder to any call. We are the front line, no matter what we’re classified as. We might not know the outcome, but we take the call. We hear everything. We are the calm voice on the line because somebody’s having the worst day of their life.”
In addition to telecommunicators in the county’s Emergency Management Department, Local 2016 also represents workers in the Assessment office, as well as maintenance and weatherization employees.
Tyler Golazeski, the property record registrar for all of Northumberland County working in the Assessment office, greatly enjoys the work he does for the county but finds it difficult to make ends meet. Even a moderate wage increase would make a difference in his life and allow him to continue serving residents to the best of his ability.
“This is an amazing job if not for the compensation,” said Golazeski, who through his work makes sure taxpayers and property owners alike get everything they are owed.
“Help me help you. I just want to survive. I’m not here to get rich.”
Members of Local 2016 are calling on their community to contact the commissioners and urge them to support the vital workers who keep Northumberland County safe and functioning by accepting the Fact-Finder report.
County Commissioners Samuel J. Schiccatano, Joseph M. Klebon, and Meghan K. Beck, can be reached at 570-988-4564.