The union representing 13,000 state engineers and other construction professionals is filing a lawsuit Monday challenging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's executive order on twice-monthly furloughs, pay cuts and layoffs.
In its lawsuit filed in Sacramento Superior Court, the Professional Engineers in California Government claims that Schwarzenegger's administration cannot adjust salaries outside the bargaining process, according to its director, Bruce Blanning. The union also believes the governor cannot change the definition of a 40-hour workweek.
Schwarzenegger on Friday signed an executive order that requires state rank-and-file workers to take two-day-a-month furloughs starting Feb. 1 and lasting through June 30, 2010. Blanning said that is the equivalent of nearly a 10 percent pay decrease. Over that same period, managers and other non-union employees also will take a 10 percent pay cut.
The administration also will send out notices to the 20 percent of state employees with the least seniority notifying them that they are at risk of layoff, demotion or transfer.
PECG is seeking an injunction to stop the governor's action.
Schwarzenegger had been seeking similar changes through the legislative process since early November, but his office now believes it can unilaterally implement the changes because the state is in a fiscal emergency.
PECG disagrees.
"If he didn't need a new law, then why did he keep asking for one?" Blanning said.
Call Kevin Yamamura, (916) 326-5548.
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