One of a California governor's greatest powers is the ability to set the agenda. When Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks, the press amplifies his message and then other elected state workers and employee labor unions have to respond.
Here's a roundup of what some folks were saying last week after Schwarzenegger issued his order to furlough state workers and, possibly, lay off some. Click the block quote to read the entire statement :
Assemblymembers Alberto Torrico, Paul Krekorian and Ed Hernandez
The governor has shown he can't negotiate with Republicans, he doesn't negotiate with Democrats, and now he's refusing to negotiate with employees. It's the same lack of leadership that has kept him from coming up with a single vote for any budget solution. And now that lack of leadership has resulted in his making a scapegoat of employees who are not the source of the problem.
The Association of California State Supervisors
ACSS' position is that instead of cutting state workers' salaries, the governor should focus on enhancing revenue.
Calfornia Statewide Law Enforcement Association
CSLEA will be doing everything within its power to prevent the furlough provisions of the Executive Order from taking effect. CSLEA will be meeting with DPA to attempt to reach an agreement which satisfactorily protects members' interests. CSLEA is also collaborating with other labor organizations and is researching potential legal remedies should negotiations fail to resolve this issue.
SEIU Local 100
Local 1000 staff attorneys are planning to file charges with the Public Employee Relations Board against the state. They are also are reviewing all our legal options to protect members.
IMAGE: The Sacramento Bee
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