Arnold Schwarzenegger fuloughed 7,400 employees illegally

Did Schwarzenegger receive bad advice or just a simple mistep?

Californians have no choice but to sit back and watch as the financial strangle hold on the state continues to tighten. As unemployment numbers climb to an all time high of 12.2 percent, the economic downturn forces 2.2.million workers onto the unemployment line, continued ridicule of other states over the IOU’s to cover it’s debt I ask you could it get any worse?   

The state known for its financial wealth and a state of plenty must endure yet another  financial hit laden with additional embarrassment.  Earlier this year Schwarzenegger rolled out a cost cutting plan in an effort to save the state some money ordering reduced hours at state offices and placing workers on unpaid time off.  The goal to save money may actually end up costing the state even more!  

Superior Court Judge Charlotte Woolard ruled in a suit brought by the Service Employees International Union which represents the funds of more than 6,300 workers.  California’s insurance code State Fund exempts its workers from furloughs and hiring freezes. The union pointed out the furloughs qualified as a “staff cutback”.  Employees who were illegally furloughed are entitled to back pay plus interest for the days they missed work. The payout could cost the state a whopping $23.2 million. 

The ruling couldn’t come at a worse time for California as it continues to struggle to close a $24 billion dollar deficit.  Sadly enough this fiasco may not end here. Officials fear other state workers who were also furloughed may come forward seeking compensation.