FURLOUGHS…We continue working with OSER regarding the implementation of the furlough program. We are in the process of signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) giving the employer flexibility to schedule and defray the cost of these furloughs. Although we have not been able to stop the furloughs, we have tried to do what we can to cushion the impact and provide employee protections as the agencies develop their plans. Since the MOU’s have been signed, we’re sure that in the coming week, agencies will be forwarding their plans to OSER. The union continues to be in the loop with OSER, to guard employee protections and flexibility and worksites for employees. We are not naive enough to believe these will come off without problems – and we would rather know about issues, have involvement in their discussion and attempt to fix the problems, rather than let them fester. Please forward any information you receive regarding your worksite’s furlough plan to mbeil@wseu-24.org. Our public statements to the media and others are that state employees are not happy about these furloughs, but understand them and are willing to make sacrifices, as long as we have fairness and equity and continuing involvement.