Maintaining Quality Service Under Fiscal ConditionsFollowing the ratification by Hawai`i Government Employees Association (HGEA) members of a new two-year contract, Governor Lingle announced details of a plan that calls for two furlough days per month for the next 20 months for state employees. To minimize the impact on the public, most state offices will close all or portions of their operations on two specified Fridays per month. Under the plan, in accordance with the new HGEA contract, full-time state employees under the Governor's jurisdiction will be placed on furlough for 18 days for the remainder of fiscal year 2010, beginning October 23, 2009 and continuing through June 30, 2010; and 24 days of furlough for fiscal year 2011, starting July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011. Part-time employees will be placed on furlough on a pro-rated equivalent basis. The furlough plan applies to HGEA employees in the Executive Branch including 16 state departments and their attached agencies. In addition, the plan applies to non-union "exempt excluded" employees in the Executive Branch. Exempt excluded employees who have been taking three furlough days per month since Sept. 16, will now conform to two furlough days per month as reflected in the new HGEA contract. "Our focus in developing the furlough plan was to ensure State government offices continue to provide the best possible service to the public under the current fiscal circumstances," said Governor Lingle. "I have every confidence that our dedicated State employees will do whatever they can within their operations to minimize disruptions in services. We appreciate the public's understanding and patience as our employees make the necessary adjustments in their work schedules." The furlough plan does not apply to the Judiciary, Department of Education, University of Hawai`i or the Hawai`i Health Systems Corporation.
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