Three labor unions representing employees of Lackawanna County agreed to change terms of health care coverage to save three probation department jobs.
Commissioner Jim Wansacz said the county signed a memorandum of understanding with labor unions representing juvenile probation, adult probation and child protective services employees that would eliminate a requirement that the county provide employees with a choice of three health insurers.
The agreement comes mid-contract, a rare move in labor relations but one that saves three posts from elimination.
"This is a common-sense solution to a difficult problem," said Tom Jennings, attorney representing the probation employees. "The county wanted to save money on health insurance; we wanted those employees back."
Mr. Jennings said the single health insurance plan would have to be "substantially similar" to the plans currently offered.
County Chief of Staff Maria Elkins said the restructuring is expected to save the county hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly in health care administration.
No change is likely in 2013, Mr. Wansacz said. The county will likely begin negotiating with providers to offer money-saving single coverage for all 1,000 county employees.
"I'm proud of the unions because they recognized the situation we are in," Mr. Wansacz said. "We set the table for good management-union relations going forward."
Contact the writer: dfalchek@timesshamrock.com