For Immediate Release
New Britain, CT, Jan. 24, 2017 – The union representing North Branford town employees is critical of discussions that could lead to the outsourcing of dispatch operations to Branford.

Council 4 Executive Director Sal Luciano expressed doubt that shuttering North Branford’s dispatch center will provide savings or improve public safety.

“History and experience show that outsourcing a vital function like dispatch operations will not achieve what its proponents say it will,” Luciano said. “You can’t put a dollar sign on protecting the safety and well-being of residents and businesses. Those who support consolidation need to explain exactly how it would save taxpayers money and still safeguard the community interest. It’s awfully hard to do both at the same time.”

Council 4, with 35,000 members across Connecticut, is the parent union of AFSCME Local 1303-155, which represents 18 North Branford employees, including 5 dispatchers.

Local 1303-155 President Terri Nuzzo, who works an account clerk for the town, shared her concern about the possibility of outsourcing the dispatch center.

“If the proponents of consolidation get their way, our police station could go dark at 4:30 p.m. every day and on the weekends. How is that good for our townspeople?” Nuzzo asked.

“North Branford dispatchers fielded almost 10,000 calls for police and fire service last year. That doesn’t include all the routine calls that come in. It doesn’t include all the people who walk up on a daily basis needing help or assistance,” Nuzzo added. “The town employees in our union want everyone to step back and reassess the potentially harmful impact of getting rid of our dedicated dispatchers. Doing things cheaply is not the same as doing things safely.”

-30-

Media Contact: Larry Dorman, (860) 989-9127 or [email protected]