News Release
For Release: 1/11/2011
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-469-3775

Judge permits layoffs in Orange effective immediately. Mayor asks unions to continue negotiating to protect residents and save jobs

This morning, Hon. Patricia Costello, Assignment Judge for Essex County rendered a decision permitting Orange to immediately implement the layoffs and demotions that had been approved in November by the State Civil Service Commission.   Judge Costello denied the police, fire and municipal unions any further delay in layoffs. The judge also denied a similar request by the City Council and made it clear that under the Faulkner Act and existing case law, the power to hire and discharge employees lies exclusively with the Mayor. The Council, she said, “had no veto power.”

Business Administrator John Mason told city administrators that layoffs will be effective at the close of business today for City Hall and Public Works employees. Layoffs in the Police and Fire Departments will be effective at the end of each affected employee’s shift today, and affected employees who have not begun their scheduled shift today, will not begin working and are laid off. Demotions will take effect immediately except for employees presently on duty. For those on duty, demotions will be effective at their end of their work shift today.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.

“The judge’s decision is nothing to celebrate, because no one wants city employees to lose their jobs. We have given the unions reasonable proposals for give-backs that would avert the need for layoffs. These include changes in salaries, benefits, and work rules.

Without layoffs or give-backs, Orange taxpayers would face a 20% tax increase caused by the Christie cuts in state aid, higher salary and benefit costs, and reduced revenues. A 20% tax increase is beyond what Orange taxpayers can afford, and I absolutely refuse to let it happen.

I am prepared to continue to negotiate with the unions to achieve the give-backs that would enable us to roll back the layoffs. One week remains before we will be introducing the budget to the City Council. I am hopeful that we can still come to an agreement. A negotiated settlement would be in the best interest of our employees as well as the residents and taxpayers of Orange.”

Statement by City Attorney Marvin T. Braker

“The Judge could not make it any clearer that this process is solely under the control and auspices of the Chief Executive. No one feels good about seeing workers and colleagues laid off. I would hope that pursuant to the Judge’s suggestion and in accordance with our desire, that we return to the bargaining table with a view towards resolving the outstanding issues.”