NJ Prepares for Layoffs of State Workers

A union leader says New Jersey is making preparations to lay off hundreds of state workers to balance the 2010 state budget.

Rae Roeder, president of Communications Workers of America Local 1033, says union representatives for at least three state departments have been notified -- as required by law -- of layoff notices that are being drafted.

Roeder said Monday that her local was advised of approximately 300 positions at the Motor Vehicle Commission, 300 at the Treasury Department, 50 at the Education Department and 30 at the Secretary of State's Office.

Corzine spokesman Robert Corrales says a layoff plan is being prepared, but the governor prefers to use furloughs and wage freezes. He says no final decisions on layoffs have been made.