Hundreds of county workers expect layoffs

County legislators OK layoffs

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Hundreds of Nassau County workers may be laid off on Thursday, Dec. 29, according to a law passed by the county legislature on Monday. The layoffs would save the county $75 million, said Chief Deputy County Executive Rob Walker.

Walker addressed the legislature in a crowded room filled with Civil Service Employee Association members. He said that among the positions slated to by cut, 153 positions are currently vacant and about 385 positions are filled. Roughly 85 of the 385 employees will be demoted, while 300 employees could be laid off before the month ends.

Legislator David Denenberg probed Walker for a concrete number of expected layoffs, but Walker said, “The list changes daily.” According to Walker, about 15 people employed by the county leave each week. Some leave for better opportunities, some are justly removed and others quit, he said.

Legislator Peter Schmitt commented on Denenberg questioning Walker for more than 20 minutes, but Denenberg responded, “We’re letting go of 385 people. Are you saying that someone asking questions for 20 minutes is bad? Sorry that I care.”

Police Department employees are among the workers that may be demoted or laid off. The county needs to reduce the Police Department budget by $18 million and according to Walker, $13 million has been accounted for with employees that either retired or left. The remaining $5 million may be cut with layoffs, but Walker added, there are employees who are on disability and are on the way out. “I can’t give you a specific number,” he reiterated to the legislature, “but it changes daily.”

Legislator Judy Jacobs was also outspokenly uncomfortable with Walker’s ambiguous answers. “It appears to me there are a lot of loose ends,” said Jacobs. “It’s just very confusing. Even if they’re on the list, they may not be on the list?” she asked.

“Does it create confusion? Yes it does,” responded Walker. “The county executive does not want to lay off one employee. He wants to come up with anther way . . . Maybe there’s no layoffs at all. Maybe it is a happy holidays.”

CSEA President Jerry Laricchiuta also addressed the legislature on Monday. “I’m up here trying to protect the livelihoods of hundreds and hundreds of workers,” he said. “If there is any chance you can find it in your hearts to try to work with us to save these people’s lives,” he urged, but the legislation passed with an 11 to six approval rating.

Among the CSEA members present was Barbara Kremen, 58, of Plainview, who has worked as a public health educator since June 1987. Kremen is a single mother who raised two daughters in the home she grew up in and has lived in since 1955. “It’s just crazy,” she said with tears in her eyes. “I won’t be able to afford my home if I’m laid off.”

Kremen learned that her position could be cut last week. A co-worker signaled her throat being cut. “She said, ‘we’re on the list,” recalled Kremen. Kremen is one of three public health educators who works for the county and all three positions are expected to be cut.

Karen Brandon, of North Hempstead, also said she expects to be laid off. Brandon started working with the county in 1989 after graduating with a Master’s degree. She is currently an early intervention service coordinator.

Brandon said she took the low-paying position for the benefits and to give back to her community. “I’m regretting that I did that,” she said. “Somehow we’ve lost our humanity.”

County employees will most likely be notified between Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Thursday, Dec. 29 if they will be laid off.