Forty-four Galloway Township employees elected to change their union Wednesday at a time when the township is considering multiple layoffs during its budget process.
The employees, who include workers and supervisors of the township's clerical, communications and Information Technology departments, chose to adopt the Government Workers Union in an election at the municipal complex Wednesday, according to union president David Tucker.
The 17 supervisors of the group will be represented by the Government Workers Union Supervisors Council 10, Tucker said.
The employees were previously represented by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 210.
The change comes at a time when nearly all township employees face a potential layoff. The township is facing a deficit of more than $1 million and has said it will have to use layoffs to close the shortfall.
The township has not decided how many employees may have to be laid off.
Tucker said he spoke with Township Manager Arch Liston on Wednesday about meeting in the future to discuss the situation. He said he has dealt with more difficult situations and hopes to work with the township on their options.
“The clock is running to see what we can do to save some jobs,” he said.
Mayor Don Purdy said the township did not have a preference which union the employees chose.
“We have no problem with either bargaining agency,” he said. “It doesn't matter to us as long as the employees feel they are being represented to the fullest extent.”
Contact Joel Landau:
609-272-7215
Follow Joel Landau on Twitter @landaupressofac
