More employers are choosing to cut employees’ hours — and pay — instead of letting workers go in layoffs.
California government has asked more than 200,000 state workers to stay home two Fridays a month in an effort to save $1.3 billion in the next 18 months.
Among the government agencies forced to close on some Fridays: the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Others, such as fire stations and employment centers will stay open.
The furloughs will reduce the average state worker’s salary by 9.2%. The state has a $42 billion budget shortfall.
And perhaps the furloughed workers can help pump up California’s economy by taking advantage of some special deals. Squaw Valley ski resort was offering $49 off of lift tickets on furlough days to state employees who show a valid government ID card or a recent pay stub. State employees can ski or snowboard every Friday for the rest of the season for $20 at Boreal ski resort.
