FURLOUGH IS FOR STATE EMPLOYEES, NOT COURT EMPLOYEES – PLEASE HELP AS YOU CAN

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As Californians braced for more bad news on the economic front, rumors began spreading throughout our California courthouses that, as of February 6th, 2009, court employees would have a two-day-a-month unpaid work furlough to face.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger received permission from the Superior Court of California to shut down much of state government two Fridays a month.  Roughly 240,000 workers, most of whom belong to a union, are affected by this decision.

“There are certain things that the state needs to do more of during bad times,” says SEIU Local 1000 spokesman Jim Zamora.  “You can’t cut the workforce without making decisions about what it is that you are not going to do anymore.”

Evan Halper, reporter for the LA Times says, “Labor leaders argue that California already has one of the most efficient workforces, with a lower ratio of state employees to the population than most other states.”

The Legislative Analyst’s Office reports,  “The governor’s estimate of savings from the furloughs is probably too optimistic. State hospitals, prisons and other 24-hour facilities may wind up paying significant overtime to keep their operations staffed properly.”

While it is a relief to some that court employees aren’t faced with this imminent furlough, it’s important we support those state employees and all those facing difficult economic times.

Donate used clothing, canned food, and money to your local charities as you can.  We are all in this together!

Thanks for your time.

-THE COCRA TEAM

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