PEF wins preliminary injunction stopping furloughs; Judge directs governor to abide by contracts
Friday, May 28, 2010 at 1:02PM PEF was granted a preliminary injunction today preventing the governor from implementing his plan to furlough state employees.
Judge Lawrence Kahn issued his decision in U.S. District Court (Northern District) and recognized the furlough legislation substantially impaired PEF’s collective-bargaining agreement with the state. The ruling found payless furloughs would have caused irreparable harm, as employees would suffer a permanent 20 percent reduction in salary.
“This is a victory for state employees and for state taxpayers,” said PEF President Ken Brynien. “This decision will allow state services to continue uninterrupted and prevent hardships to the taxpayers who depend on them. And we are equally pleased the court found the state has other means to address its budget deficit, as PEF has maintained all along.”
Judge Kahn also directed the state not to submit any further extender appropriations bills which include the furloughs or exclude the payment of contractually obligated salary increases.
Brynien also said it is in the best interest of state taxpayers that the governor accepts the court’s ruling and avoids wasting more time and money needlessly appealing the decision.
The entire court’s decision is available on the PEF website.
PEF observes Memorial Day
PEF offices will be closed Monday, May 31 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday and will reopen Tuesday. PEF leaders and staff wish members and their families a safe and enjoyable holiday.