Union leaders decry Islip Town layoffs
The union representing most Town of Islip employees is questioning the decision to lay off security personnel and harbor police, saying the moves conflict with the town's recent efforts to beef up security at Town Hall and maintain safe waters.
The town board last month approved the layoffs of 35 town employees -- including three security guards and four members of the harbor police -- as it moves to close a $12 million budget deficit. The board also raised property taxes 28 percent.
But officials from the United Public Service Employees Union, which represents about 370 Islip Town workers, said losing the security guards would leave the town without staffing for a newly installed security post at Town Hall....| read more ››