January 19, 2010
The state and UAW have had discussions regarding concessions, but no agreement has been reached. The lack of an agreement has led to the state's decision to impose furlough days to achieve the UAW's share of the $50 million in employee concessions assumed in the state's fiscal year 2010 budget.
The furloughs for UAW-represented employees will begin late February. Affected employees will be notified as departments complete plans that will meet operational needs.
The UAW represents approximately 17,000 employees in the administrative support and human services bargaining units.
Earlier this month a tentative agreement was reached with the Michigan Corrections Organization which, if ratified by the membership, will achieve the Unit's share of savings identified in the fiscal year 2010 budget without serving furlough days. In December, Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 517M ratified agreements covering three other state employee bargaining units which achieve the SEIU's share of the required savings without serving furlough days.
The state did not reach an agreement with the Michigan State Employees Association (MSEA) for employees in the labor and trades and safety and regulatory bargaining units. Employees in these units will begin serving five furlough days later this month to achieve their share of the savings.
Discussions with other bargaining units continue.
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