Aug 1, 2008 8:08 am US/Pacific
Union Files Suit To Block Governor's Layoff Order
LOS ANGELES (AP) ―
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California State Controller John Chiang says he won't act on Gov. Schwarzenegger's order that eliminates thousands of state jobs and cuts pay for 200,000 workers.
CBS
California's largest state employees union has filed a lawsuit to block Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's executive order forcing layoffs for thousands of employees.
More than 10,000 seasonal and part-time workers are expected to begin receiving pink slips after Schwarzenegger signed the order Thursday amid a budget stalemate. He said he was taking the actions to make sure the state has enough money to pay its bills until a budget is passed.
The lawsuit by the Service Employees International Union said laying off workers without notice violates the state Constitution and numerous laws, including those governing seniority.
Schwarzenegger's executive order eliminated 10,300 positions. It also ordered that up to 200,000 state workers receive the federal minimum wage of $6.55 an hour until the state has a budget.
It faces numerous challenges in addition to Friday's lawsuit. A union representing state attorneys has filed an unfair labor practices allegation over the minimum wage provision, and the state controller's office is refusing to comply.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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