KEARNY –
Civil Service Council 11, the union that represents nonuniformed civilian employees and crossing guards in Kearny, has elected Bill Pettigrew as its new president.
Pettigrew, who serves as town registrar and public health investigator, defeated Ken Salinski, a public works employee, by a wide margin in balloting held Oct. 17.
Also elected was Nevier Ruiz as first vice president, replacing Shirley Manucci, who retired Dec. 1. Craig Smith retains his office as second vice president.
Pettigrew, who has served on the union’s executive board for the past decade, takes over for Mary Ann Ryan, who retired last year. She had been president for the past eight years.
Council 11, with 83 members, will see its current labor contract with the town expire Dec. 31 and Pettigrew said he’s hoping for “smooth contract negotiations” with the town.
Of late, the union and the town have struggled to maintain labor peace. Council 11 contested the economic layoffs of several of its members a few years ago but a state administrative law judge dismissed its appeal earlier this year and Pettigrew said that any further legal action has been ruled out.
– Ron Leir
