Paterson: Union Concessions Or "Massive Layoffs"

Gov. Paterson has given unions representing state workers an ultimatum. After taking emergency measures like delaying school aid and state construction projects he’s asked them to hold off on 4 percent raises that are part of their contracts, or face “massive layoffs”, reports the Times Union. This despite a no-layoff agreement he signed last year, in exchange for more affordable pension plans for new state employees. Facing a $9 billion deficit, Paterson says he’s not going back on his word, adding that now "everything's on the table." "I never promised I would not lay anyone off," said the governor. "I let them know that would be the plan, based on what they said (that) the economy is coming back.”

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By Sabrina Jaszi in News on April 4, 2010 11:10 AM

Comments [rss]

SimonLok

go for it Paterson... at least go out doing something right. These contracts are bankrupting the state and also putting enormous strain on people trying to pay their already ridiculously high NYS taxes.

Troy

a litle thing called a stock transfer tax and and intial property speculation tax would cover our cost, it just seems as if no one wants to applied the same tax scheme to the rich that applies to the working classes.

That combined tax rate (utilities, sales tax, free and surcharges) falls heaviest to those union members who work the hardest...

Yeah you can just wipe away the advances of labor in favor of making you look better then you were, and all politicians will throw the working classes under the bus as to prove they are ever ready throw the everywo(man) under the bus...

Yeah blame the people not lying to you on a daily basis who have no control of the string of power, it is their fault most of the time...aint it? stupid quality assurence that coe from union construction jobs...nice...

Will contractors and politicians take that same cut as the ones this city, state and federal governements are forcing workers to take? I think not...

I in 5 american is unemployed or under employed, and if you have gainful employedment it seems as if that many wish to for more to join the ranks of the under-employed, from affording one's home to losing one's one, seems to be what they call a vicious sysle....

Running in circles for exactly what? the benefot of the business state? sometimes capitialist just dont seem to get economics....especially lately...

Homer2323

'union members who work the hardest'

Wait..I have to stop laughing. Are you talking about the MTA workers that work 4 of out 8 hour shifts and sleep in token booths, or the teachers who continually are rewarded for students that cant read? Or maybe all the 'build safer build union' construction sites? You know, the ones where all the cranes collapsed?

inoyourider

Maybe the guys who keep the biggest subway system in the world running.

The guys who spend their lives underground in shitty conditions.

This is just another politician going back on his word when it suits his interests.

Spirit of 76

Uh, what? Put down the bong and back away slowly...

Troy

uh what put down that lame retort with that ones ya gave ya lover,

before they found another...

put down that beer larry, my cable needs a lil fixin'...

MrCholly

He's not in the game anymore so Governor do what you must do. Unless Andrew Cuomo has a different plan.

Spirit of 76

Looks like Paterson may finally be getting smart. He has nothing to lose now as the lamest of the lame ducks. Not only is his governorship almost over, but his political career as well since he'd have a hard time being elected to be dogcatcher. When your team is down by 40 runs in the bottom of the ninth, don't bunt, swing for the fence, to borrow a baseball analogy.