Pocono News Section

Court Order Temporarily Halts Luzerne County Court Layoffs

Court Order Temporarily Halts Luzerne County Court Layoffs - Thursday, December 18, 2008 at 6:28PM EST

Reported by: Andy Mehalshick
Thursday, Dec 18, 2008 @ 06:28pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY- Thursday a judge in western Pennsylvania granted an injunction by President Judge Mark Ciavarella stopping the layoff process.

County Commissioners say workers have to be laid off or the budget will collapse. But court officials say they can't layoff employees because the court system would be harmed.

Judge Ciavarella questions the commissioners’ authority to make the cutbacks. Commissioner Maryann Petrilla says they have the power, now they need cooperation. “They asked us what we do if they don't cooperate. We have a list we would be forced to use if you don't come together with our list. We don't care if they layoff 8 clerks or two high priced managers. We’ve got to get to the bottom number,” she says.

There's a hearing on the lawsuit December 29th. A neutral judge from Perry County will hear the case.