Morning Read: Thousands of PEF lay-offs averted?
The Watertown Daily Times is reporting this morning that thousands of lay-offs may be averted thanks to a deal with Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Public Employee Federation.
The Public Employees Federation says it has reached a tentative agreement with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo that would save thousands of jobs in the state.
About 3,500 workers in the 55,000-member union have been in limbo for three weeks after the governor sent 3,496 layoff notices, effective Oct. 19. The layoff notices were sent after the union’s membership rejected an original contract offer in September. One hundred workers in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties received layoff notices.
According to the WDT, lay-offs have been delayed to Nov. 4th so that the two sides have time to work out the details.
I can’t believe that there are too many details to work out. Gov. Cuomo has provided the conditions of continued employment. PEF need simply re-vote and approve the last contract offer.
While I think Gov. Cuomo has been considerate to delay the lay-offs, I don’t think it was necessary. PEF has wasted time and should be held accountable.