CSEA Long Island Region President Nicholas LaMorte criticized Schnirman and the City Council for a number of demotions among city workers, which he attributed to “union animus.” LaMorte said that several weeks ago, 25 CSEA members in a number of city departments, who were promoted last year, were demoted to lower pay grades because, he said, the CSEA supported the Republican-led coalition in last November’s election.

LaMorte added that members of the police and fire unions in Long Beach, groups that supported the Democrats, did not receive demotions.

Schnirman disputed the claim, and said that the promotions of 14 employees were rescinded, not 25. Those employees, he said, we given “unbudgeted” promotions shortly before the previous administration left office.

“All last-minute decisions done at the eleventh hour that were unbudgeted are always under review by an incoming administration,” Schnirman said. “… We’ve rescinded unbudgeted and unaffordable grade changes in the hopes that we can make the finances in the city sustainable.”

Long Beach CSEA President John Mooney was not immediately available for comment. Schnirman said that the employees in question are receiving their previous salaries, and that the move has saved the city $52,000, not including overtime. He also said that no union employees have been laid off.

“I think the previous folks owe the good workers of the city an explanation,” Schnirman said, “as to why they would make such a cynical decision to give them a false promotion that they knew they couldn’t afford.”