To save money — and jobs — many companies have resorted to furloughs. Do you think the state of New York should do the same?
To prevent a government shutdown, the New York State Legislature backed Gov. David Paterson’s (D) plan to furlough 100,000 state workers — but a judge has said “not so fast.”
Federal Judge Lawrence Kahn has put the brakes on the governor’s plan.
Reason: A 20% pay cut could cause “irreparable harm,” according to Kahn, who scheduled a hearing on the matter for May 26.
Kahn’s decision came as a relief to labor unions.
Paterson’s side of the story: A one-day-a-week furlough, which was originally scheduled to start today, would save $30 million a week and help close a $9.2 billion budget gap.
As part of Paterson’s plan the Department of Motor Vehicles would close on Fridays and the State Lottery would close on Wednesdays.
He decided to push for furloughs after unions opted not to give back their 4% raises this year — nor agree to a one-week pay lag.
Do you agree with Paterson’s plan? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
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