TOWN OF TONAWANDA, N.Y. — Since 2011, union workers for the town of Tonawanda have been operating without a contract. 

Tuesday night, the Town Board hosted a public hearing with their union, the Salaried Workers' Association, to discuss back-pay for 2012. Some 70 employees were there to hear the town's latest offer: no raise. 

Supervisor Joe Emminger said he believes giving any retroactive pay now would only hinder negotiations.

"By imposing the zero, we think we'll be able to bring some new ideas and work together with the union, and hopefully get a new contract much sooner rather than later," Emminger said.

The town employs 147 people who belong to the union, 82 of whom pay nothing for their health insurance.

The union's attorney, Paul Weiss, said the employees understand they'll all have to make contributions to their insurance moving forward.

However, in order for the employees to receive retroactive pay, the town says it will also have to make retroactive healthcare payments.

"I have never seen this retroactive payment for health insurance. What has happened is the parties agree going forward," Weiss said.

The New York State Public Employment Relations Board released a fact-finding report in December after the union filed for an impasse mediation in September of 2016.

That report found that the town's bargaining position was inconsistent with its position concerning retroactive raises with the Town of Tonawanda Police Club and raises it provided to non-bargaining employees.

The report also makes recommendations on retroactive wage increases, but Emminger points out that those recommendations are non-binding.

Still, he says he is more optimistic than ever about making a deal and has this message for the union.

"Have a short memory. Don't worry about the past. We gotta look to the future. This is 2018. We are able to start over fresh now. Both sides can start fresh with new ideas," Emminger said.