By now, we have all heard of the furlough in Treasury. Our brothers and sisters are feeling the effects of them. Some positions have been eliminated, this was said to be due to budget shortfalls. Your union is currently reviewing the best way to help in these difficult times.

First and foremost, furloughed employees have seniority bumping rights. If a position exists where you have the right to bump into, you must notify Treasury of your intent to use these rights.

Second, recall rights; when your position becomes available due to retirement(s) or additional budget funding, you will be recalled.

Third, for positions eliminated altogether your union is working on several different fronts. One of which is that if any position becomes available in any department in Treasury, for whatever reason, these employees whose jobs were eliminated will be given first opportunity to apply for those positions.

Finally, your union has filed grievances on your behalf. There are other actions  being considered that I do not want to discuss at this time. I know this is a very painful and scary time for our fellow union members at Treasury. I would advise all our members to contact their state representatives and senators. Tell them that they need to properly fund Treasury, which is the reason for the loss of jobs.

         In solidarity,

          Rich Conway

President, AFSCME Local 972