Post by onthejob on Dec 6, 2011 23:43:23 GMT -5
Mangano, unions working to avert layoffs
December 6, 2011 by CELESTE HADRICK / celeste.hadrick@newsday.com
Facing a Dec. 15 deadline, the leaders of Nassau's two largest unions said Tuesday they are working with County Executive Edward Mangano to try to avert hundreds of looming layoffs.
Police Benevolent Association president James Carver and Jerry Laricchiuta, head of the Civil Service Employees Association, say they are actively discussing possible deals to help Mangano balance next year's $2.6 billion budget, which is projected to have a deficit of more than $300 million.
Mangano has warned that he will lay off more than 400 employees and demote 200 others if unions do not come up with $75 million in savings by next week. Late last month, Mangano submitted a proposed layoff plan to the County Legislature.
Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) is awaiting final recommendations from Mangano and is prepared to schedule a vote Dec. 19 to implement the layoffs if needed, said Schmitt aide Ed Ward.
Mangano declined to comment on the specifics of the labor talks. "I will tell you that the CSEA is actively engaged in trying to reach a solution and more recently, the PBA has become engaged in serious discussions," he said. "We're going to continue to try to work toward a solution."
Carver said: "We have been sitting down with the county in an attempt to resolve issues regarding the budget. I'm always hopeful that when people are reasonable, reasonable solutions will come."
Laricchiuta said he had offered "a fair proposal" that would save money and "as many jobs as we can." He declined to give specifics except to say that his plan would include a retirement incentive for high-wage earners, protect against future layoffs and, eventually, lift a wage freeze imposed by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority.
NIFA, a state board that took control of the county's finances in January, has said it needs to see significant progress toward closing next year's deficit before it can approve the county budget and allow the county to sell short-term notes to cover payroll this month.
Laricchiuta said he hopes NIFA approves the CSEA's plan at its public meeting Thursday. But NIFA member Chris Wright said Tuesday the board "can only vote on a proposal which has been negotiated between the principals, the union and the administration, and which is in final approvable form."
Mangano has warned that more layoffs will occur Feb. 1 unless unions offer another $75 million in concessions. Otherwise, Mangano said he would have to reorganize the police department and close two precincts.
Schmitt introduced a bill on Monday that would remove the police commissioner from the process of determining precincts and give the legislature the authority. But he tabled the bill when Democrats objected.
December 6, 2011 by CELESTE HADRICK / celeste.hadrick@newsday.com
Facing a Dec. 15 deadline, the leaders of Nassau's two largest unions said Tuesday they are working with County Executive Edward Mangano to try to avert hundreds of looming layoffs.
Police Benevolent Association president James Carver and Jerry Laricchiuta, head of the Civil Service Employees Association, say they are actively discussing possible deals to help Mangano balance next year's $2.6 billion budget, which is projected to have a deficit of more than $300 million.
Mangano has warned that he will lay off more than 400 employees and demote 200 others if unions do not come up with $75 million in savings by next week. Late last month, Mangano submitted a proposed layoff plan to the County Legislature.
Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa) is awaiting final recommendations from Mangano and is prepared to schedule a vote Dec. 19 to implement the layoffs if needed, said Schmitt aide Ed Ward.
Mangano declined to comment on the specifics of the labor talks. "I will tell you that the CSEA is actively engaged in trying to reach a solution and more recently, the PBA has become engaged in serious discussions," he said. "We're going to continue to try to work toward a solution."
Carver said: "We have been sitting down with the county in an attempt to resolve issues regarding the budget. I'm always hopeful that when people are reasonable, reasonable solutions will come."
Laricchiuta said he had offered "a fair proposal" that would save money and "as many jobs as we can." He declined to give specifics except to say that his plan would include a retirement incentive for high-wage earners, protect against future layoffs and, eventually, lift a wage freeze imposed by the Nassau Interim Finance Authority.
NIFA, a state board that took control of the county's finances in January, has said it needs to see significant progress toward closing next year's deficit before it can approve the county budget and allow the county to sell short-term notes to cover payroll this month.
Laricchiuta said he hopes NIFA approves the CSEA's plan at its public meeting Thursday. But NIFA member Chris Wright said Tuesday the board "can only vote on a proposal which has been negotiated between the principals, the union and the administration, and which is in final approvable form."
Mangano has warned that more layoffs will occur Feb. 1 unless unions offer another $75 million in concessions. Otherwise, Mangano said he would have to reorganize the police department and close two precincts.
Schmitt introduced a bill on Monday that would remove the police commissioner from the process of determining precincts and give the legislature the authority. But he tabled the bill when Democrats objected.
