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Oregon Union Agrees to Two Weeks of Furloughs

Oregon state workers are facing 10-14 unpaid furlough days over the next 24 months under an agreement negotiated by the union representing them.  The contract also calls for a wage freeze delaying a scheduled step pay increase.

 

 

All workers will also be giving up their cost-of-living increase during the 2009-2011 contract period.

 

The contract deal applied across all agencies will save the state about $71.5 million.

 

The number of furlough days a worker must take will depend on their pay grade. Lower paid workers will take 10 days, while others will take 12 or 14 days. Some state agencies will shut down completely on certain days, while others will have workers take furloughs on a floating basis.

 

 

OPEA Executive Director Sterling Zearley commented on the news.  “This shows the extent of the problems facing many states around the nation, not just Oklahoma.  It doesn’t matter if you have a union contract or not, state employees are facing difficult times and states are cutting employees positions, salaries and benefits in an effort to balance the budget.  It is time for Oklahoma’s state employees to all get behind OPEA’s efforts to make sure the FRONT LINE IS NOT THE BOTTOM LINE.” 

Posted on Thu, July 30, 2009 by Mark Beutler

2 comments (Add your own)

1. FattCatt wrote:
Amen OPEA!

It's time for all State employees to stand up for yourselves...to hell with a raise, now it's time to save your paycheck or even your JOB!

If you know someone who is not an OPEA member, tell them it is a must to become one!

All OPEA members need to be ready at the drop of a hat to respond to all "Calls to Action" made by OPEA.

Most important everyone members and non-members alike better be present for "Lobby Day 2010" or you may not have anything to stand up for in 2011!

>*x*<

Thu, July 30, 2009 @ 10:36 AM

2. MENTAL HEALTH FOR SALE wrote:
If you don't believe that private companies are taking over the state just ask any employee in Dept. of Mental Health. They are selling servies for the mentally ill to the highest bidder. The employees in the department are not being given any type of options when it comes to jobs or where they are going to be. Thank goodness for the OPEA members and staff that are working to help all of us out. The really sad part of this is the patients and their families who are being sold out to the highest bidder for less services. While the hospitals and State run Enhanced Residental Serivces are being either cut or closed the non-profits are making a haul. Shame on the Mental Health leadership for not giving a hoot about the people in need of help. Shame on the leadership for treating employees like they are dirt. Shame on the legislators who are letting these services be sold when everyone knows the economy is bad and the need for services is greater now than it has been.

Sat, August 1, 2009 @ 12:32 PM

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