Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory's office announced today that there are layoffs coming for employees of Lafayette Consolidated Government.

Due to anticipated fiscal year shortfalls in income, the decision for the layoffs was made to prepare for upcoming budget planning, as the fiscal year begins in November. The layoffs are effective June 5, 2020.

The press release from LCG outlined which jobs would be cut, and what considerations will be given to those who had to be let go:

On June 5, 2020, 101 LCG employees (23 full-time/78 part-time) who work at the Acadiana Nature Station, the Science Museum, three Senior Centers and the Heymann Center, will be laid off. - LCG

Some employees from the above-mentioned facilities will be kept on to maintain the security and maintenance of the actual buildings/facilities.

Employees who are eligible for retirement will be given that option, and all laid-off employees will be placed on the eligible for immediate re-hire is the situation ever allows. Laid-off employees will be eligible for unemployment benefits and will receive payment for any accrued PTO/vacation time.

Guillory called the layoffs "necessary steps" in dealing with the fallout of the coronavirus outbreak and if LCG receives enough funding to allow, the laid-off employees may be hired back November 1.

Here is the press release in its entirety:

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) Mayor-President Josh Guillory has announced the first steps in a number of measures to address the financial shortfalls in this fiscal year and in preparation for the budget planning cycle leading up to the beginning of the new Fiscal Year on November 1.

On June 5, 2020, 101 LCG employees (23 full-time/78 part-time) who work at the Acadiana Nature Station, the Science Museum, three Senior Centers and the Heymann Center, will be laid off. Six employees from these centers are being retained to ensure the security and well-being of these physical locations. Six vacant positions are also being eliminated.

These facilities either remain closed or are operating at a maximum of 25% capacity in compliance with the Emergency Declarations of the Governor.

·         Employees being laid off were notified today, provided two weeks paid employment, and advance notice to make preparations.

·         These employees will be placed on the Civil Service “rehire” list so that they may immediately return to work if and when circumstances permit.

·         Employees may apply for unemployment benefits and LCG will provide support and assistance in doing so.

·         Employees who are laid off will receive payment for accrued vacation leave and accrued sick leave that has not been expended, consistent with existing regulations governing these forms of compensation.

·         Eligible employees may also elect to retire at this time, with all of the associated benefits.

“These necessary steps are the result of several weeks of meetings, discussions and exploration with Department Directors, the Administration, the Human Resources Division and the Civil Service Department regarding LCG’s options in responding to this fiscal emergency,” said Mayor-President Josh Guillory.

“In taking this latest step, we continue to carefully review our operating and capital budgets; we have cancelled discretionary contracts and budgetary line items; eliminated dozens of vacant positions; and are postponing or eliminating capital expenditures where appropriate,” Guillory said.

“We will revisit the issues underlying the impact on these positions and the operation of these entities during our budget process this summer, in consultation with our City and Parish Councils,” Guillory concluded.

If LCG is able to secure additional funding from State or Federal Sources, if the fiscal situation materially changes, or if there is a clear path to the full reopening of these institutions -- some or all of these positions may be restored at the beginning of the new Fiscal Year on November 1.

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Jamie Angelle│ Chief Communications Officer

Lafayette Consolidated Government

 

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