Committee Announces Furloughs at Public Meeting

Non-uniformed municipal employees will undergo a seven-day furlough period, the measure adopted as part of the 2010 township budget last night. Exceptions include police and fire department workers in collective bargaining organizations and some municipal managerial positions.

Mayor Mark Smith described the measure, approved unanimously by the committee, as an "unfortunate" but necessary move to keep the tax bill under control. 

White-collar workers unit negotiator Ruthanne Della Serra spoke up at the public hearing, adding that workers have a right to know when the furloughs would be and how the measure will proceed. 

"How? When? What are the details? We need to know the details," she said.

Replying to her question, Smith said the township committee does not yet have the logistics worked out yet although they're hoping to as soon as possible.

Also responding to Della Serra, Township Administrator Marlena Schmid added that the township labor attorney and a Teamsters representative were working on an agreement.

The employees were given official notice of the furlough late afternoon Friday, and Della Serra said the white collar workers unit, a branch of Teamsters 469, knew the committee was considering the move in June. Impact negotiations were held with the union June 15 and July 8.