On Friday, August 16th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a tentative contract agreement with the United Probation Officers’ Association (UPOA), covering approximately 600 municipal employees. This five-and-a-half-year agreement provides substantial wage increases for probation officers and conforms to the pattern established by other city unions. The agreement is retroactive, starting from November 28, 2020, and will expire on June 12, 2026.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of investing in public safety through fair compensation for probation officers. “Protecting public safety and making our city more affordable means investing in hard-working New Yorkers like our probation officers, who work tirelessly to keep our city safe by helping justice-involved people get back on — and stay on — the right path,” Adams stated. The agreement includes wage increases of 3 percent for each of the first four years and 3.25 percent in the fifth year, alongside a lump sum ratification bonus ranging from $3,600 to $5,080.
The agreement also introduces a new 11-year step pay plan for probation officers and supervisors, replacing the current salary ranges. New starting salaries for probation officers will be $61,386, with top pay reaching $81,000. Supervising probation officers will start at $86,500, with a top pay of $95,100. This contract aims to address historic pay disparities and improve working conditions, particularly for women and people of color, who comprise a significant portion of the probation workforce.
New York City Department of Probation Commissioner Juanita N. Holmes praised the agreement, saying, “This contract exemplifies the collaborative efforts between Mayor Adams and Deputy Mayor Banks in advancing their unified vision of increased public safety in New York City and recognizes the invaluable work our officers do every day, from helping our clients rebuild their lives to ensuring the safety of our communities.” Holmes highlighted the essential role of probation officers in transforming lives and keeping communities safe.
Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion also expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, noting, “I am extremely happy that the parties have reached this agreement, which provides significant wage increases for our hardworking and dedicated probation workers, who work tirelessly each day to assist individuals on probation and to help keep New York safe.” She extended her gratitude to UPOA President Dalvanie Powell for her leadership during the negotiations.
UPOA President Dalvanie K. Powell reflected on the significance of the agreement, stating, “Probation is the heartbeat of our criminal justice system, working tirelessly to keep our communities safe while giving individuals under our supervision a second chance. We negotiated this contract with a clear focus on addressing the historic pay disparities that our members — who are mostly women and people of color — have faced, as well as improving working conditions and benefits.” Powell affirmed the union’s commitment to advocating for its members and ensuring they receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
This tentative agreement, pending ratification by UPOA members, represents a significant step toward fairer compensation and improved working conditions for New York City’s probation officers, reinforcing the city’s commitment to public safety and equitable treatment for all its employees.
