Toledo issues layoff notices

This just in via email from Jason Webber:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 17, 2009

City of Toledo Distributes Layoff Notices

Today at 3 p.m., Mayor Finkbeiner released the following statement:

"These are not steps I wish to take, but they are nonetheless necessary to balance the City of Toledo’s budget. Contract negotiations will continue, but until our Union’s bargaining units recognize the need for concessions and shared sacrifice, these announced layoffs will continue as planned:

· 142 General Fund employees, which are ALL non-safety employees, paid 100% by the General Fund, effective May 15, 2009. While we do not expect the entire 142 to be laid off, the final number will be substantial and likely involve a minimum of 50% of our General Fund workforce. This will significantly impact many aspects of our General Fund Operations.

· 75 Police Officers in addition to the 75 previously notified, effective May 1, 2009.

· 17 Police Department Civilians, effective May 15, 2009.

· 6 Fire Command Officers will be reassigned to line duty, effective immediately.

If action is taken by Council to increase revenue, and all Unions grant concessions, the number of layoffs can be reduced.

Effective the week of May 4, all General Fund Executive Exempt employees will begin a 32-hour workweek, which amounts to a 20% pay cut. Many City of Toledo departments will abide by a Monday - Thursday operating schedule, with the exception of Public Safety, Refuse, and Public Utilities.



This is a time for leadership, and I ask our Union leaders to accept the challenge of resolving this fiscal crisis.

The layoffs can be significantly reduced. I am again respectfully appealing to our Union leaders and City Council to join with us in reducing the number of layoffs through revenue enhancements and across-the-board payroll reductions."

Jason Webber
City of Toledo
Public Information Officer
Office: 419-245-1016
Cell: 734-731-1114

"Toledo ranks third Top Ten Metro Area in America."
- Site Selection Magazine, March 2009