Zerbe Township workers oppose cost-cutting on their backs amid contract negotiations
The workers of Zerbe Township are a small but mighty unit of AFSCME Local 2433 who keep the area's roads maintained and bills paid, dutifully serving about 2,000 residents.
Jody Patton is the township's Administrative Secretary who keeps things running out of what she calls "the hub" — the township's municipal building in Treverton, PA.
Jody Patton is the full-time Administrative Secretary for Zerbe Township in Northumberland County and a proud member of AFSCME Local 2433.
Jody was recently shocked to learn from the Township Supervisors' August 19 meeting agenda that they were planning to change her position from full-time to part-time.
This comes as the supervisors claim that "everything [is] being considered" for cost-cutting in the township's budget, including the police department, while at the same time looking to hire a new Township Manager position.
Fortunately for Jody, she has a union that protects her from such unilateral decisions and the supervisors tabled the issue. Nonetheless, to find out your employer wants to cut your hours in such an unceremonious manner would be stressful for anyone.
"I'm getting more migraines and feeling like I'm wondering what's going to happen next," Jody said.
"If I didn't have a union, I would have had no recourse and would have quit. Because I have a union, I'm not leaving unless it's on my terms." Jody said.
Jody and her fellow Local 2433 members Bill Breinich and Greg Snyder, maintenance employees for the township, are urging the supervisors to fully withdraw their attempt to reduce her hours.
The local is also in the midst of contract negotiations and members are hopeful for reaching a fair agreement that maintains current staffing so Jody and her coworkers can continue to make Zerbe Township happen.
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Zerbe Township workers united for fair treatment and a fair contract! (Pictured left to right: AFSCME Local 2433 members Bill Breinich, Jody Patton, and Greg Snyder)