Mass. unions may take furlough days to save jobs

Published Oct. 20, 2009 at 2:33 p.m.

BOSTON (AP) -- Gov. Deval Patrick is asking state unions to accept furlough days and other concessions to avoid layoffs of up to 2,000 state workers before the end of the year.

The governor is weighing a series of cuts after tax revenues for the first few months of the fiscal year came in about $600 million below projections.

David Holway of the National Association of Government Employees told WCVB-TV that his 12,000 Massachusetts members might accept furlough days if the governor provides assurances that there will not be layoffs.

Patrick is expected to meet with union leaders later this week.

Meanwhile, the Boston Herald reports that 91 employees of the state Department of Conservation and Recreation have received pink slips, including forest firefighters and golf course managers.

Extra: Biggest RI employees union accepts pay cut

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