Furlough Fridays Back On
August 18, 2010
Today’s decision by the California Supreme Court authorizing the Governor to continue furloughs is disappointing because it further unsettles the work schedules and personal lives, finances of all state scientists. The court’s ruling said, in relevant part:
“The petition for review is GRANTED. Because the issue whether
the Governor has the authority to direct the unpaid furlough of
state employees is pending before this court and is scheduled
for oral argument on Wednesday, September 8, 2010…and without
expressing any view on the merits of that issue, we conclude
that it is appropriate to grant review in this matter and defer
further action pending our resolution of the currently pending
proceeding…
CAPS would have preferred a suspension of furloughs pending the Supreme Court’s review and decision on the merits, but the Court obviously saw it differently. The Governor’s Department of Personnel Administration quickly ordered resumption of furloughs this Friday. A spokesman for the Governor says they will seek to add a third furlough day before the end of the month, to replace the one cancelled last Friday. Given the opportunity, CAPS of course will oppose that too.
CAPS would have preferred a suspension of furloughs pending the Supreme Court’s review and decision on the merits, but the Court obviously saw it differently. The Governor’s Department of Personnel Administration quickly ordered resumption of furloughs this Friday. A spokesman for the Governor says they will seek to add a third furlough day before the end of the month, to replace the one cancelled last Friday. Given the opportunity, CAPS of course will oppose that too.
CAPS
will be one of the plaintiffs arguing the case before the
Supreme Court on September 8. CAPS will urge a speedy, final
and positive resolution.