CSEA challenges Canal head's claims over service impact

ALBANY, NY (02/22/2013)(readMedia)-- CSEA is putting little faith in recent comments by the head of the state Canal Corporation that planned layoffs of 42 canal workers won't affect operations or pose a threat to safety.

The union has questioned the wisdom of the layoffs for a host of reasons, including the fact that they come at a critical time when major storms and flooding continue to threaten communities along the Mohawk Valley. Many of the workers whose jobs have been targeted in the cuts are Canal Lock Operators who are responsible for controlling dam movement and regulating water levels.

New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian Stratton said Wednesday the cuts should not increase the risk of flooding, even in the event of severe weather. But CSEA warned that residents in high flood risk areas across the state should take little comfort in Stratton's assessment that layoffs won't put them at risk.

Explaining its skepticism, the union pointed to the fact that when the former Schenectady mayor was asked by a reporter what he knew about canals when he was appointed to his new post just two years ago, Stratton replied: "I know the water goes in, the boats go down. The water goes in, the boats go up."

"Instead of relying on Mr. Stratton's "expert" opinion, we would do better to listen to the skilled lock operators whose job it is to help prevent flooding how safe we will be when there are 42 fewer of them left to do that," said CSEA President Danny Donohue.