California Workers Sue Governator

Unions challenge furloughs as state runs out of cash
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 23, 2008 9:54 AM CST
California Workers Sue Governator
Standing near a large deficit counter, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger calls on lawmakers to reach a solution to the growing state budget problem at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Dec. 10, 2008.   (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Unions representing California state employees are suing Arnold Schwarzenegger over his attempt to force them to take unpaid time off, the Los Angeles Times reports. Schwarzenegger issued an executive order last week ordering all employees to take two unpaid days off each month, in an effort to corral the state budget. But the unions say Schwarzenegger needs the Legislature’s approval for such a move.

The Democratic-led Legislature rebuffed Schwarzenegger’s requests for that approval. The governor will meet with Democratic leaders today to discuss budget issues, which have reached crisis point—the state controller says California will run out of cash by February. “Without action by the Legislature and the governor, we literally are weeks away from a meltdown of state government,” he said. (More Arnold Schwarzenegger stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X