Announced “Potential Government Shut Down”

 Memo

 

TO:               Executive Board Members and Council Leaders

FROM:          Bob Carrothers
                       Director of Labor Relations

DATE:           June 11, 2010

RE:               Announced “Potential Government Shut Down”

The Governor’s Office of Employees Relations notified us today that if an emergency appropriation bill is not passed on Monday, June 14, 2010, non-essential State employees will be directed to remain at home on Tuesday, June 15. Conversely, employees identified as essential will still be required to report to work. Many of you have by now certainly seen information issued by your agency management to this effect.

We are receiving numerous questions regarding what our bargaining unit members should do on Tuesday. Employees should follow the directions they receive from their management regarding whether they are deemed essential or not and whether they are directed to report to work or remain home on Tuesday.

We obviously dispute the Governor’s authority to direct State employees to remain at home in these circumstances and will take all appropriate action to protect our member’s contractual rights. However, the principle of “work now, grieve later” applies here, follow your management’s direction on Tuesday.

Please continue to check the PEF website for updates as this situation develops.