Rhode Island State Workers To Lose 12 Days Of Pay In Lieu Of Layoffs

Governor Don Carcieri

The biggest employees union in Rhode Island, Council 94, has accepted a tentative deal in order to prevent large layoffs and a government shutdown.

The decision came Friday after a meeting amongst union leaders to discuss a provision that would allow Governor Don Carcieri to transfer workers to different jobs.

Union president J. Michael Downey said he would send the proposal to the union’s nearly 4,000 members for a vote. The proposal would require Rhode Island state workers to lose 12 days of pay throughout the next two years as well as setback any scheduled pay raise. Should they agree to this, Carcieri has promised that he will not shut down state government or lay off workers.