On November 29th, IDC&WLaw client, the United Transit Leadership Organization, secured ratification by its membership of a new collective bargaining agreement with several affiliates of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority by an incredible vote of 387-10, or 97.5%. The agreement calls for two annual compounded 2% raises over 30 months, improvements to the grievance […]

For decades, IDC&W Law has helped unions collectively bargain with employers, negotiating long and short term contracts in both the public and private sectors.  Recently, we successfully negotiated a five year contract for a municipal union, with 13.67% total wage increases, compounded over the term, plus an additional hourly wage increase for three of the […]

We at IDC&W Law understand the  importance of time off for our hard working union clients. It is particularly critical for first responders.  Recently, in response to the New York City COVID-19 vaccine mandate, the City issued a policy to penalize employees who called out sick on ordered overtime with a loss of ability to […]

The pandemic showed how important essential workers are. The truth is, they always were. They fought for us when we needed them most, working long hours risking their and their family’s health. That is particularly why their time off is important and sacred.  In May 2021 the City eliminated the use of compensatory time off […]

We are pleased to announce that Koehler & Isaacs LLP has added three new partners and will now be known as Isaacs Devasia Castro & Wien LLP. At this time, with mixed emotions, we also announce the retirement of Founding Partner, Richard J. Koehler from the firm.  The new partners are long-time associates Cynthia Devasia, […]

Your Privacy is not Private: Social Media and Employee Discipline Social Media platforms provide an easy way to engage with “friends” and share your opinions. All social media platforms currently provide “privacy” settings by which you can limit the recipients of your posts to those you have selected as your friends. So, you should feel […]

For many years, the New York City Board of Corrections has stood as an obstacle to the safety of the staff in the City’s jails. During the current Mayoral administration, the Board has passed rule after rule making a dangerous job nearly impossible. Correction Department staff have suffered exacerbation in both the number and severity […]

On December 13, 2016, a New York City Correction Officer was assaulted at the Otis Bantum Correction Center on Rikers Island by a detainee of the New York City Department of Correction awaiting trial on drug charges. The officer suffered significant physical injuries in the assault including facial bruises and cuts, sprains to his left […]

Jonathan Bandler, Rockland/Westchester Journal News A Mount Vernon police officer on military reserve duty in Washington, D.C., in the wake of last week’s riots, may have trouble getting his proper city pay while he is away. And depending on how the city handles his case, Officer Raiton Betty could join his sister and a third city cop […]