By Mark Wozniak
Buffalo, NY – Erie County union workers have approved a three year contract that includes a new single-provider health care plan.
The vote was 1,518 in favor with 1,226 opposed. Supporters of the contract say it will avoid the layoff of 200 county employees thanks to savings in the new health plan.
But many of the negative votes came from the Department of Social Services. A departmental reorganization supported by County Executive Joel Giambra could result in the elimination of up to 147 jobs, but that would require county Legislature approval.