Urgent Layoff Information for PEF members

PEF members at some agencies are being called into layoff meetings with little or no notice.  At these meetings targeted employees are being notified what displacement options, if any, they may have, and are being told to make their choice from among those options, with little time to consider the consequences of their choice.

If you want a union representative there, you should not hesitate to ask for one to be present.  Contact your local Field Representative and/or local union leadership (steward, council leader or Executive Board member).  The Guidelines for the Administration of Reductions in Force state that:  “Union representatives must be invited to all employee information meetings”.  PEF considers these choice meetings to be employee informational meetings.

If you feel you need additional time, you should ask for at least overnight to make your decision.  The Guidelines for the Administration of Reductions in Force state that:  Employees [then] need a reasonable amount of time to consult with their families, assess their options for reemployment, etc. in order to make their “life decisions.”

If you are unsure as to whether or not you want to accept your displacement option you should strongly consider accepting the option. You can always change your mind at least a week before the effective date of your agency’s layoffs and tell your agency that you have changed your mind due to unforeseen circumstances. You will then be laid off on the effective date of the agency layoff and will still receive your preferred list and reemployment roster rights.

Members should also be asking for informational packages about their reemployment rights and opportunities through the Blue Card and Green Card process.

You can contact your Field Representative at the following numbers:

Additional Information on the Layoff Process

• Layoff FAQs
• Guidelines for Administration of Reduction in Force
• Manager's Guide to Reduction in Force
• Employee Guide for Agency Reduction Transfer List
• Agency Configuration of Layoff Units
• Information for State Employees Affected by Layoff
• Separation from Service: Information for Exempt Class Employees
• Health Insurance Coverage for Employees Impacted by Layoff
• See a presentation on the ARTL and RIF Process prepared by the PEF Research Department