EAST FISHKILL – The union which represents service workers at the IBM East Fishkill and Poughkeepsie facilities said cutbacks and layoffs of hundreds of IBM employees have cost their members 11 jobs.

“IBM makes the final decision on whether or not our members have jobs,” said Local 200United SEIU President Jerry Dennis.

The union is concerned and upset because the Dutchess County Industrial has provided Big Blue with millions in tax exemptions and bonds, said union Vice President Michael Lonigro.

“There have been certain IDA inducements, tax abatements and what not to give IBM incentives to stay centered in the Mid-Hudson Valley, and white frankly, why would anybody want to deny an employer those opportunities to continue investing in the area,” he said. “But, the reality is, it’s resulting in a reduction in employment.”

SEIU Local 200United has joined with other labor unions, New York Jobs with Justice, and various community and church groups to demand reform in the IDA legislation that governs “the giveaways enjoyed by corporations like IBM,” the union said.