Layoffs averted for third New Castle County union

The last of three unions that faced layoffs in next year’s budget have reached a deal with New Castle County to avoid any job cuts.

The last of three unions that faced layoffs in next year’s budget have reached a deal with New Castle County to avoid any job cuts.

Members of AFSCME Local 3109  have voted to accept another year of  salary rollbacks in exchange for no layoffs.  AFSCME Local 3109 represents 106 county managers and supervisors.

The agreement means a continuation of the 5 percent salary rollback implemented last year, one paid furlough day this fiscal year, and 5 paid furlough days next fiscal year.  The deal is identical to the one agreed to by Local 459 and Local 1607 last month.   County officials expect the deal with Local 3109 to save New Castle County $392,000 and the three deals combined to produce $ 2.1 million in savings in the 2011 fiscal year.

During his budget address in March, New Castle County Executive Chris Coons told members of three unions that had not agreed to continue the salary cuts that there would be layoffs if a deal couldn’t be reached.  Today, Coons thanked union leadership and members for “making a difficult choice that preserves jobs and keeps the workforce strong.”

New Castle County Council is expected to vote on next year’s budget May 25th.