Human‑services workers urge Northampton County council to avert furloughs as state, federal funding stalls

At the Oct. 16 Northampton County Council meeting, current and former human‑services employees, union representatives and residents urged council members to prevent furloughs that county staff say would begin as early as Oct. 20 unless state and federal reimbursements arrive.

Child‑protective‑services caseworker Oscar Collazo told the council the workforce is “very proud of the work we do every day to protect children, support families, and keep the community strong. However, right now, that work is at risk because of political gridlock in Harrisburg and Washington.” Several other speakers said staff have been given only seven days’ notice in the event of furloughs and described the personal and operational stress that creates.

Union representatives and employees said the positions targeted are not optional operations but essential services that include caseworkers, clerical staff, supervisors, therapists, and providers for aging services. SEIU Local 668 President Steve…