Deal possible to avoid layoff of state workers

News 12 New Jersey has learned the state?s largest state worker union has discussed a possible deal with Gov. Jon Corzine to avoid layoffs. Corzine took aim at state workers Tuesday, demanding they agree

News 12 Staff

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Mar 12, 2009, 4:13 PM

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Updated 5,705 days ago

News 12 New Jersey has learned the state?s largest state worker union has discussed a possible deal with Gov. Jon Corzine to avoid layoffs.

Corzine took aim at state workers Tuesday, demanding they agree to a salary freeze and one day off a month without pay. Without the concessions, Corzine said there could be thousands of layoffs.

The governor?s speech led to a strong reply within minutes from CWA Local 1033 president Rae Roeder.

"That's a threat, and the bottom line is we don't really respond well to a threat,? said Roeder. ?We rally hard to a threat.?

The alleged deal would see the union agree to a wage freeze this year and possibly next. In exchange, no workers would be laid off and Corzine would back down on his request for unpaid days off.

There is some confusion, however, to the news of a possible deal and the forceful union response. Sources say national CWA leaders are pushing hard for a compromise, but local members are opposed to one.

Any deal would have to be voted on by members. Roeder says her followers would not pass it.

?There?s absolutely no way that the members I know will support reopening a contract,? says Roeder.