Gov. Rendell Puts Unions on Notice That Furloughs Are Coming

After the Commonwealth requested an agreement to eliminate state employee pay raises and reduce the Commonwealth contributions to the PEBTF and AFSCME unconditionally refused to even consider opening the contract with regard to wages and/or benefits, we were advised that lay offs could be the result.

Contrary to the governor's wishes, AFSCME C13 Exec. Dir. David Fillman, made it very clear that the governor can expect whining, shouting and hollering if he follows through with furloughs.  "We have done our part to support this administration with regard to budget concerns by agreeing to a wage freeze in the last collective bargaining agreement, and by sharing the cost of health care with employee contributions to the PEBTF.  It's time for the Commonwealth to step up to the plate and eliminate some of their high cost contracts by bringing the work back to the workers - where our employees can do it cheaper and better.  They need to reduce some of the multiple layers of unnecessary management and lay off some of the unnecessary political appointments."

Fillman added, "Until the budget has been finalized, until we've exhausted all the hundreds of millions in various surplus funds, and until we know what kind of federal dollars will be available; it is premature to frighten working men and women struggling to make ends meet.  If and when furloughs become necessary, AFSCME will monitor the Commonwealth's actions and be sure that the terms and agreements of the collective bargaining agreement are followed to the letter."