by CNBNEWS.net
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER-Two of the three daily newspapers in this area finally caught up to the story about the 15 employees being laid off in Gloucester City which was announced on May 10 by the City. The layoffs are because of a $1.3 million municipal budget deficit. The breakdown of that number shows there are 8 in the fire department, 1 in the police department, 1 in community development and 5 in the department of administration. Four of those five are part-time employees. The layoffs take effect July 1.
Last week the reporters for the two dailies highlighted the ongoing discord in their articles between the City and members of the fire department.
Representatives from both sides met on Friday. Asked whether any progress was made at the meeting, Mayor Bill James said, \”No. We are continuing to talk, which is a good thing.\” James added that the union is sticking to its demands for a pay raise. James said the union reps were told that layoffs could be avoided if they were willing to help the city make up the money by conceding salary increases, holiday pay or other perks.
According to a union representative a pay raise is not the issue. The firefighter, who did not want his name used, said, \”We are not asking for a increase in pay. Eventually this will all come out\”. Asked what then was the sticking point that is keeping the contract from being signed? He said, \”I can\’t discuss the problem until an agreement is reached.\”
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