AFSCME cuts work days to save jobs

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County commissioners have approved a contract agreement with AFSCME Local 3577 that will save about seven jobs in the Child Support Enforcement Agency.

Commissioners David Ludt and John McNally voted in favor of a resolution accepting the agreement at a meeting Thursday evening. Commissioner Anthony Traficanti was not present.

Judee Genetin, director of Jobs and Family Services, the department under which CSEA operates, said members of the union agreed to give up one paid workday during each pay period, meaning the employees would be paid for 72 hours in each 80-hour pay period.

Genetin said the agreement would mean continued employment for seven union members in CSEA who would have otherwise faced layoffs. There are 61 AFSCME members in CSEA.

Janet Droney, AFSCME Local 3577 president, told commissioners that union members were not happy about making the concession, but realized it was necessary.

“It had to be done; there is nothing we can do about it,” she told commissioners during the meeting. “I am not going to thank you for it, but it did pass.”

Droney said she is hopeful the agreement will take the department through the end of the year without any layoffs.

For the full story, see Friday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.