Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he’s now open to “tweaks” in a state labor contact rejected by union members that could avoid nearly 3,500 layoffs.
Cuomo tells “The Capitol Pressroom” radio show that he would consider reallocating elements of the contract as long as the overall cost to taxpayers remains the same.
The Public Employees Union has said it hopes to make changes in benefits such as health care that could lower the increased cost for the lowest paid members.
Cuomo says today good-faith negotiations continue, although he still opposes job protections.
Cuomo had previously said the only way to avoid the layoffs was for the rank-and-file to pass the tentative contract rejected Tuesday.
Layoffs are to begin in about 20 days.
There was no immediate union comment.
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