Layoffs Avoided – Agreement Reached Between Lakewood Township Officials and Employees
Lakewood Township officials announced that they have now reached an amicable agreement with all six of the bargaining unions that represent the majority of the Township employees.
Deputy Mayor Steven Langert expressed the sentiments of the Township Committee by saying, “We thank the employees for working together with the Township to cut costs.”
At issue was the change in health insurance plans. The Township currently provides six different health care plans through its carrier Central Jersey Health Insurance Fund. Changing to only one, uniform health care benefit package will result in a significant savings of an estimated $700,000 to $800,000 for the Township and ultimately the taxpayers.
Deputy Mayor Langert says, “I realize that Township employees are concerned about the health care coverage for themselves and their families. Overall, this health care plan is comparable to what they have now.” The savings will be realized from a combination of the consolidation of the health care plan and the change in benefits.
Township Committeeman Meir Lichtenstein, said, “Although some of the employees have time left on their contract and did not have to make any changes to it right now, they agreed to work closely with us to help improve this situation because they realize the taxpayers are carrying a huge financial burden.”